Helmet mask · D. R. Congo, Kwese · ID: 3043528
Description
wood, polychrome paint, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage, fine cracks, paint rubbed off in parts, base.
The Kwese are a small ethnic group in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The style of their sculptures and masks is strongly influenced by their neighbours, the Mbala, Pende and Suku.
Present masks were probably used at circumcision rites for young boys.
The object Helmet mask with the object ID 3043528 was last part of the auction 88th Tribal Art Auction at March 10, 2018 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 417.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 80 f.
Publications
AHDRC: 150627