Mask
D. R. Congo, Ituri
sold
EUR 2,500
Provenance
Marc Leo Felix, Brussels, BelgiumMichael Grebanier, San Francisco, USA
Size
H: 24,4 cm
H: 9.6 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, dotted painting (extremely darkened), drilled holes around the rim (broken out in parts), cracks, missing parts (vegetal fibre fringe);
Ituri masks were made of the fresh wood of a tree, which is specially felled for this purpose. Prayers are said and certain taboos observed by carvers during their work. With the sculpting finished, the mask is painted by an “ishumi”. The ritualist recites sacred formulas and makes offerings while carrying out his work. The vegetal fiber fringe usually framing the mask is missing.
Publications
AHDRC: 0139882