Mbagani (also called Babinji), Dem. Rep. of Congo: A typical, large and impressive mask of the Mbagani.
Mbagani (also called Babinji), Dem. Rep. of Congo: A typical, large and impressive mask of the Mbagani.
The Mbagani (or Babinji) live southern Congo, on the border with Angola.
The present mask is a characteristic, beautiful example of the geometric style of the Mbagani. Carved from very hard wood and dyed black on the front side, the mask has a markedly high forehead under a plank-like crest carved out from the same piece. The large slit eyes feature a triple outline in relief and preserve remains of former white colouring. Quite typical of Mbagani style is the depiction of the nose as a wide, flat triangle! The small, open mouth coloured white on the inside is also geometrically stylised.
A further characteristic ‘Mbagani’ feature is the elongated, pierced and pointy chin. Overall a perfectly crafted example of this style, with good, old shiny patina on the outside and traces of usage on the inside. Apart from some colour abrasion, the present item shows no significant damage.
First half of the 20th century; H: 36 cm. (ME)
Lit.: 'Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika' by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, fig. 754; 'Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture' by K.-F. Schädler, fig. p. 425.; 'The Tribal Arts of Africa' by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, p. 181, fig. 4.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
26.05.2015 - 15:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 6,000.- to EUR 8,000.-
Mbagani (also called Babinji), Dem. Rep. of Congo: A typical, large and impressive mask of the Mbagani.
The Mbagani (or Babinji) live southern Congo, on the border with Angola.
The present mask is a characteristic, beautiful example of the geometric style of the Mbagani. Carved from very hard wood and dyed black on the front side, the mask has a markedly high forehead under a plank-like crest carved out from the same piece. The large slit eyes feature a triple outline in relief and preserve remains of former white colouring. Quite typical of Mbagani style is the depiction of the nose as a wide, flat triangle! The small, open mouth coloured white on the inside is also geometrically stylised.
A further characteristic ‘Mbagani’ feature is the elongated, pierced and pointy chin. Overall a perfectly crafted example of this style, with good, old shiny patina on the outside and traces of usage on the inside. Apart from some colour abrasion, the present item shows no significant damage.
First half of the 20th century; H: 36 cm. (ME)
Lit.: 'Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika' by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, fig. 754; 'Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture' by K.-F. Schädler, fig. p. 425.; 'The Tribal Arts of Africa' by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, p. 181, fig. 4.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 26.05.2015 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 20.05. - 26.05.2015 |