A very old mask, which stylistically can be ascribed to the Congo (also known as Bakongo) or their neighbours, the Yombe, on the Atlantic coast, in western Congo. The thin-walled mask is carved in hard, brown wood and originally dyed black. It wears a ‘cap’ on its head, with two terminal bands over the forehead. In these bands, at the front a sort of ‘emblem’ is displayed. The ‘cap’ is ornamented with old decorative nails made of brass. The eyebrows are worked high up on the broad forehead. Both eyes have lancet-formed, transverse outlining and round, pierced pupil holes. The mask face has a very naturalistic, ‘fleshy’ nose and an open mouth, with realistically arched, full lips. This Bakongo (or Yombe) mask displays an unusually naturalistic, individual expression (which is very seldom the case in African art). Overall a very old piece, with first-class, shiny usage patina at the front and back (precisely where the nose, head, cheeks and chin of the mask dancer rubbed against it for a long time). Only minor, age-related damage (small pieces broken off, colour scuffing, small cracks on the rear edge, above and below). H: 24 cm; W: 15 cm. Between c. 1900 and the beginning of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian Collection.

Lit.: 'Het gelaat van de geesten' by Frank Herreman Constantijn Petridis, fig. 2; 'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, fig. 937, 939.