Helmet mask "kabongo" · R. D. Congo, Kuba · ID: 3032299
Vendu
1 400 €
Provenance
Émile-Francois Chambon, Geneva, Switzerland (1999)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.
Littérature comparée
Art from Zaire, 100 Masterworks from the National Collection, New York 1975, p. 87, ill. 62