Helmet mask "kabongo" · D. R. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3032299
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Description
wood, dark brown patina, red pigment remains, scarifications in the area of forehead and cheeks, conical protruding eyes, pupils inset with metal tags, a band decorated with cowrie snails at the back, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage, slight traces of abrasion;
this mask embodies the spirit of ancestors and is worn during mourning rites for a man. The conical eyes symbolize the eyes of chameleon’s standing for the ability to see and read what is actually invisible.
The object Helmet mask “kabongo” with the object ID 3032299 was last part of the auction 68th tribal art auction at March 3, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 219 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,400.
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Comparing literature
Art from Zaire, 100 Masterworks from the National Collection, New York 1975, p. 87, ill. 62