Large mask ·  R. D. Congo, Zimba · ID: 3037839

Description

wood, spread with a thick layer of kaolin, small traces of black paint, heart-shaped facial plane, the contour additionally accentuated by dots running around the rim, grooved nose bridge, pierced eyes and mouth with raised rim, nose with drilled hole (for attachment of ornament), head and chin area with grooves, large flat ears, drilled holes around the rim, plant fibre beard, slightly dam. (left ear), missing parts backside at the rim, abrasion of paint, metal base;
Zimba sculpture is derived from two very different sources: one is the Luba world of the savanna, with its prestige or power emblems and objects relating to the “budye” society, and the other is the Lega world of the forest, with its intricate “bwami” association rites. According to M. L. Felix the rare masks come in two types: one is worn, the other is a presentation mask. They were used in the local variant of “bwami” at initiation ceremonies, or gatherings of high-ranking members of this society. The Lega influence is clearly visible.

L’objet Large mask avec l’ID d’objet 3037839 a fait partie de la dernière vente aux enchères 78th tribal art auction dans 18 octobre 2014 le Zemanek-Münster Hôtel des ventes. L’objet portant le numéro de lot 516 a atteint un prix de vente de 7 000 €.

Vous trouverez d’autres Masques et autres types d’objets populaires sur nos pages thématiques associées. Notre page sur le thème Art africain pourrait également vous intéresser.

Littérature comparée

Felix, Marc L., Maniema, München 1989, p. 123 ff.