Knife with half figure and "kifwebe" mask · D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3051842
Price
EUR 1,600
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance
Provenance
Jos Humblet, Brussels, BelgiumSize
H: 48,5 cm
H: 19.1 inch
Description
wood, metal, base
The mask is completely covered with grooves and its features are exaggerated to the point of mannerism.
For comparable work, possibly from the same workshop, see AHDRC 0042301.
The design of the handle makes it clear that this is not a functional knife, but a pure show knife designed to impress.
Comparing literature
Rider, Ethan, 100 African Blades, Vol. II, San Francisco 2023, p. 186 f, ill. 84