Zemanek-Münster

Helmet-shaped mask, probably "phumbu" ·  D. R. Congo, Eastern Pende · ID: 3041832

sold EUR 2,500
Provenance
Belgian Colonial Collection (before 1915)
Size
H: 35 cm
H: 13.8 inch

Description

wood, red, black and white pigment, coiffure in four pointed lobes, continuous brow line, nose bridge with grooved decor, incised scarification marks, drilled holes around the rim, slightly dam. (coiffure), abrasion of paint;
the “phumbu” mask type represents a chief and usually performed for entertainment of the villagers. Present mask however is said to have never been worn, but originally had been mounted on a post.


The object Helmet-shaped mask, probably “phumbu” with the object ID 3041832 was last part of the auction 85th Tribal Art Auction at March 4, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 425 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.

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

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 141, ill. 12


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