Masker post.
LSK 1121-2 Kwele Mask, Congo Among masks from the border areas between Congo and Cameroon, the Kwele mask from northeastern Congo (known locally as Bekwyel or Bekwil) reaps high prestige among these anthropo-zoomorphic masks. This Kwele mask has two large horns that encircle and frame a heart-shaped face, on which is engraved a smaller mask … Continue reading Kwele, D.R. Congo
LSK 1121-3 Kuba Bwoom Helmet Mask, D.R. Congo One of the three royal Kuba helmet masks, the “Bwoom” mask is the oldest of the mask types used by the Kuba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is said that this type of mask was introduced in the seventeenth century. The masquerades appear on … Continue reading Kuba, D.R. Congo
LSK 1121-4 Bobo Helmet Mask, Burkina Faso This type of helmet mask, known as ‘Bolo’ (pl. bole), is worn by blacksmiths at important agricultural festivals, initiation rituals and funerals in Bobo communities. In performances, bole functions primarily as entertainment, while other older mask types are considered more sacred and have greater spiritual weight. Bole can … Continue reading Bobo, Burkino Faso
ROS 1102-11 Rare Ibo (Igbo) Helmet Mask, Nigeria. This rare Ibo Helmet Mask originates from the northeastern part of Nigeria. The mask consists of a conical shape decorated with horizontal ‘pins’ that protrude on each side of the illustrative hair which is gathered in a ‘knot’ at the top of the figure. The face features … Continue reading Ibo Helmet Mask
CRK 0518-1 DAN/BASSA PASSPORT MASK, LIBERIA This very rare and fine passport mask of oval form with tapering facial plane ending in a pointed chin, pierced almond shaped eyes below a slightly overhanging forehead below an intricately carved coiffure; fine dark brown glossy patina belongs to the category of ‘Miniature Masks’, often called … Continue reading Dan Mask
SNK 1212-65 Senufo Brass Kpeliyee Mask, Burkina Faso/Ivory Coast. This kpeliyee mask from the Senufo people in Ivory Coast is shown in a symbolically detailed and artistically designed face. The face is refined and well designed with curved eyebrows, a long nose, and an open mouth with defined teeth. It is an unusual example of … Continue reading Senufo Mask
HCK 1220-1 Guro Antelope mask, Ivory Coast Beautiful handcrafted African Guro masks that originates from the west coast of Africa and more specifically from Ivory Coast. The Guro tribe or Gouro tribe as they are sometimes pronounced are very spiritual people and their masks are all representations of their way of live and spiritual way … Continue reading Guro Mask
OAK 0920-2 Gelede Mask, Yoruba, Nigeria This remarkably colorful and sculptural Gelede wooden headdress which originates from the Yoruba people is carved of a single piece of wood. It is carved with classical Yoruba facial features: heavy eyelids, bulgy almond-shaped eyes, a flared nose and compressed full lips. The pupils and nostrils are roughly pierced … Continue reading Gelede Yoruba
OAK 0920-1 Gelede Polycrome Wooden Mask, Yoruba, Nigeria This dramatic, colorful, sculpturally painted, and genuine Gelede headgear originates from the Yoruba people, and is carved from a single piece of wood. It is cut with classic Yoruba facial features: heavy eyelids, bulgy almond-shaped eyes, the classic wide nose and compressed full lips. The pupils … Continue reading Gelede Yoruba
HCK 0608-5 Lega Bwami Maskette (Lukungu), Democratic Republic Of Congo In the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo art is created primarily for semisecret associations of men and women, such as the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the … Continue reading Lega Maskette
HCK 1204-23 Lega Style Bwami Maskette, Democratic Republic of Congo This highly stylized mask. Nearly ‘modern’ in its simplified and simple terms has been used in ceremonies in honor of historical figures in the Bwami society of the Lega peoples. The teachings of Bwami permeate all aspects of life, guiding the moral development of the … Continue reading Lega Maskette
LUK 1103-21 Makonde Female ‘Ndimu’ Body Mask, Tanzania. This original and authentic body mask originates from the Makonde people of southern Tanzania (then German East Africa) and shows a female body mask, called ‘Ndimu’, which depicts a young, pregnant woman. The dancer uses it to represent a woman’s painful childbirth. The present ‘Ndimu’ body mask … Continue reading Body Mask
MZK 9702-AA Makonde Female ‘Ndimu’ Body Mask, Tanzania. This original and authentic body mask originates from the Makonde people of southern Tanzania and shows a female body mask, called ‘Ndimu’, which depicts a young, pregnant woman. The dancer uses it to represent a woman’s painful childbirth. The present ‘Ndimu’ body mask is carved in dark … Continue reading Body Mask
AVK 0319-2 Youruba Gelede Mask, Nigeria This is a remarkable and well carved Gelede mask from the people of Yoruba in Southwestern Nigeria. It is designed and painted along traditional lines, such as a helmet mask with high coiffure and a naturalistic human face. However, the face is exceptionally calm and well modeled with very … Continue reading Youruba Mask
AVK 0319-3 SOLD Baule Guru Portrait Mask, Côte d’Ivoire This is a distinctive and rare Baule Guru mask. Not only is this mask characterized by a mystery and grace, but also carved in an unusual way. The graceful face that is painted over several stages and with age are parts of the paint peeled off, … Continue reading Baule Guru Mask
HCK 1204-25 Igbo, Agbogho mmwo helmet mask, Nigeria This exceptional mask has been used by the male Mmwo secret society, agbogho mmwo. Helmet masks (also called agbogho monnwu or ikorodo meaning ‘maiden spirit mask’) are used during annual ‘fame of maidens’ ceremonies to honour ancestors and the ideal characteristics of young women. Found in Northern Igboland (around the cities of … Continue reading Igbo Mask
JDK 0219-1 Nepali Tibetan Shamans Mask, Tibet This antique Shamans Mask is made of bamboo-root collected from the Himalayan region. The ritual of wearing masks comes from animists Himalayan tribes used to worship spirits of nature and guardians of the grand mountains. The Shamans of these tribes used to wear masks during ritualistic performances in … Continue reading Tibetan Mask
CWK 0119-8 Lega Bwami Tricephalous-face mask, Zaïre ( now Dem. Rep. Congo) Lega masks are usually carved in light-coloured, lightweight wood, with typical heart-shaped Lega concave faces, coffee bean eyes, long narrow noses and small mouths in a distinctive style with a slightly protruding forehead and, as this one, adorned with a fibre beard … Continue reading Lega Bwami Face
CWK 0119-9 Bwami mask, Lega, Democratic Republic of the Congo This is an unusual, utilised and well carved Bwami mask, Lega created in a light type of wood in a distinctive style, with a heart-shaped concave face, slightly protruding forehead, a narrow nose and fine attached beard. The faces of these type of masks are … Continue reading Bwami Mask, Lega
HCK 0617-1 Baule, Goli, kplekple mask, Ivory Coast This is a well-carved authentic mask, called kple kple which is a specific type of mask made by the Baule people. Common features of the kple kple disc shaped facemasks include antelope shaped horns, round eyes, rectangular shaped mouth and geometric designs. The red face is considered … Continue reading Goli Mask
NAK 0518-1 SOLD Zoomorphic dyadyomini ‘Fox’ mask, Dogon, Mali. This zoomorphic dyadyomini ‘Fox’ mask originates from the Dogon people of Eastern Mali and represent one of the 80 masks types of the tribe. It is an old carved dark-brown-colored wood mask, with ‘fox ears’, deep-set, square eyes and narrow nose. Mouth and chin are long … Continue reading ‘Fox’ mask
HCK 0617-1 Baule, Goli, kplekple mask, Ivory Coast This is an old very well-carved authentic mask, called kple kple which is a specific type of mask made by the Baule people. Common features of the kple kple disc shaped facemasks include antelope shaped horns, round eyes, rectangular shaped mouth and geometric designs. The red … Continue reading Kple kple mask
NAK 0617-1 Dan Mask – Deangle Mask, Liberia This fine Dan mask is a mask of the ‘Deangle’ type or ‘Tangle’. Men will wear these ‘Deangle masks’, as well as full body costumes with raffia skirts, while watching over and looking after the young men during their initiation time in a secluded bush camp. Here they … Continue reading Dan Mask
HCK 0617-2 Guro Kple Kple Mask, Baule, Ivory Coast This old, antique mask was created by the Baule people of Ivory Coast. It is a very minimalistic mask carved from wood around the end of the 19th Century. There are two small triangular holes cut which enable the wearer to see. The rectangular mouth … Continue reading Kple Kple Mask
SNK 1212-45 Bwa Ram Mask, Bobo Tribe, Burkina Faso This colourful mask with a fascinating symbolic meaning is created by the Bobo Nunuma or Winiama peoples who live in eastern Burkina Faso and Mali in a region of dry savannas where harvest depends on rainfall. The Bobo are farmers and their art is primary used in … Continue reading Bwa Ram Mask
JLK 1007-2 Bembe (Babembe) Echawokaba Janus Head Figure, Zaïre (Dem. Rep. Congo), Benin, Nigeria The Bembe people migrated from Congo in the 18th Century and resettled in the eastern part of the forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the border with Tanzania and Burundi. The “cult of the ancestors” is an important part … Continue reading Bembe Head
CRK 1116-1 Baule Guro mask from Cote d’Ivoire This excellent carved classical mask from the Baule people of the Ivory Coast belongs to a special groupe known as portrait masks and evokes the artistry of the Baule artists from the past. These portrait masks are said to portray an honored person of the village or … Continue reading Baule mask
MSK 1216-1 Bwa Tribe “Dwarf” Plank Mask, Burkina Faso, Black Volta River region. Plank masks are a relatively recent addition to Bwa artistic and ritual practice, and only a few Bwa communities located in Burkina Faso use them. During the performance, the dancer will hold the mask in his hand and from time to … Continue reading Plank Mask
NAK 0117-13 – SOLD Kple Kple mask, Baule Tribe, Ivory Coast. This very fine Kple Kple mask of the Baule Tribe derived from Kondeyaokro village in Côte d’Ivoire. It is one of the most popular and distinguishable designs of African masks in the African masking tradition. It is both greatly appreciated by Western art enthusiasts … Continue reading Kple Kple mask
HCK 0416-4 SOLD Janus helmet mask from Ukelle group, Ejagham peoples, Nigeria-Cameroon Dimensions: H: 30 cm (47 cm incl. stand), Ø: 26 cm This unusual stylish and classically shaped Ukelle helmet mask is unique in its detailed carvings. Similar masks often miss these details and are instead covered by antelope skins. This mask is from the … Continue reading Janus mask
GSK 0216-1 – SOLD Teke Mask, Zaïre (D.R. Congo) Wood, decorated with colored kaolin Ø: 34 cm (13,4”) This is a fine, old and unusually well-preserved mask from the Teke or Kidumu people and it derives from the upper Ogowe region. Many years of use has made its mark in terms of wear and … Continue reading Teke Mask
HCK 1015-01 A rare Lega ‘twin mask’ of the Bwami society with two faces, Zaïre (DR Congo) Wood and fibre H: 36 cm (mask without beard), W: 21 cm (8,3″) Among the Lega (also called Rega, Barega or Warega), in eastern Congo, the Bwami society presides over the tribe’s social and ritual life (6 … Continue reading Lega Mask
HCK 1015-5 Bete Mask, Ivory Coast Dark brown patinated wood H: 32/44 cm (12,6”/17,3”), W: 19 cm (7,5”) This is a fantastic Gre masks from the Bete people in Africa’s Ivory Coast. It shows all the mystery and subtlety that characterizes Bete masks. The well-balanced form and a fine old patina that shows sign … Continue reading Bete Mask
HCK 1015-04 Mende “Bundu” or “Sowei” helmet mask, Sande society, Sierra Leone and Liberia Old black and patinated wood H: 37 cm (14,6”), Ø: 22 cm (8,7”) This mask presents an ideal of feminine beauty admired by the Mende: elaborate hairstyle, full forehead and small facial features. The gleaming surface signifies healthy, glowing skin. … Continue reading Mende Mask
HCK 1015-06 SOLD Dan-Guere (also Ngere, Kran or Wè), Ivory Coast, Liberia Dark old black patinated wood H: 28/44 cm (11″/17,3″), W: 16 cm (6,3″) This is an interesting, extremely angular, old ‘cubistic’ chimpanzee mask, called ‘kaogle’ or ‘kagle’. It was used with large costumes during important feasts of the Dan-Guere (also Wè or … Continue reading Dan-Guere Mask
HCK 1015-02 Lega Dance Mask with Handle, Zaïre (Democratic Republic Congo) H: 17,5 cm (6,9″), W: 13,5 cm (5,3″) Wood, with a thick layer of kaolin This is a very rare and unusual Lega dance mask (idimu) with a handle on the back of the mask. The friendly smiling expression indicates that it is … Continue reading Lega Mask
PKK 0515-1 Punu Mask ”mukudji” Mask, Gabon H: 29,5 cm (11,6″) An exceptional beautiful and charming mask. It has a friendly expression with its whitened face with pierced slit eyes, unturned mouth, a black horizontal band in relief across the cheeks and nose, blackened brows and band of scarification to the forehead and tall … Continue reading Punu Mask
EJC 0615-02 – SOLD Urhobo Mask, Nigeria H: 26 cm (10,2″)/ 31 cm (12,2″), W: 12,5 cm (4,9″) This extraordinary mask is sculpted in wood, and it has a fine old patina on the face that makes it looks like a stone sculpture, with traces of polychromy (white on the closed eyes and the … Continue reading Urhobo Mask
GSK 0515-3 Chi Wara with Baby Headdress, Bambara, Mali H: 120 cm (47,2″) Bambara carvers have established a reputation for the zoomorphic headdresses worn by Tji-Wara society members. Although they are all different, they often incorporating a zig-zag motif, which represents the sun’s course from east to west, and a head with two large … Continue reading Chi Wara
HCK 0615-1 SOLD Small Horned Makonde (Midimu) Mask, Tanzania Painted wood H: 29 cm (11,4″), W: 16 cm (6,3″) This fine small midimu (spirit) mask from Makonde, Tanzania appeared at the end of circumcision rites, when the young boys and girls returned from the bush camps. The masquerades fulfilled ritual as well as educational … Continue reading Makonde Mask
CAK 0199-5 Bwa Plank Mask, Burkina Faso H: 200 cm (79″), W: 31 cm (12,2″) Painted wood This tall engraved and painted headdress called Bwa Plank Mask was used by the Do society at dances to promote fertility of the fields and at funerals of Do members. The geometric designs all have meanings. The … Continue reading Bwa Mask
BBK 0310-3 Lega Mask, DR Congo H: 32 cm (12,6″), W: 15 cm (5,9″) A fine flat oval facial plane, almond-shaped protruding eyes divided by profiled nose, high curved brows with incisions. Lega masks are used as “bwami” initiation objects. There are five different types: “lukwakongo”, “kayamba”, “idimu”, “muminia”, and “lukungu”. They serve as … Continue reading Lega Mask
CMK 0307-05 Mbangu Mask, Central Pende, Bandundu, Zaïre (Congo) H: 26 cm (10,2″) W: 14 cm (5,5″) Wood, reed/white pigments A fine old sickness Pende mask. Although his face shows signs of nerve paralysis, features characteristic of the Katundu style in the Pende are still apparent. This mask comes from the Central Pende region … Continue reading Mbangu Mask
NNNK 0150-01 Afikpo Face Mask, Igbo, Nigeria H: 39 cm (15,4″), W: 20 cm (7,9″) Click here for more information about the Igbo people
NAK 0106-4 Chi Wara, Bambana, Mali H: 30 cm (11,8″), W: 11,5 cm (4,5″) Bamana Chi Wara from Mali, represent and honour the mythological half man / half antelope hero who taught man how to cultivate the soil. They were danced in pairs and celebrate the union of male (sun), female (earth) and fibre … Continue reading Chi Wara
CAK 1197-268 Senufo ’kpelivee’ Mask, Ivory Coast H: 34 cm (13,4″), W: 18 cm (7,1″) Dark brown patinated wood This face mask would have been worn during elaborate funeral ceremonies. Called ‘kpeliyee’, anthropomorphic masks such as this one were used to coerce the spirit of the deceased to leave his home. The narrow nose … Continue reading Kpelivee Mask
CRK-L 0115-2 Warka (Marka) Mask, Mali H: 27 cm (10,6″), W: 17 cm (6,7″) Wood, red fabric and brass fittings. This is one of the finest examples of Marka masks made in wood and covered by red cloth with brass fittings and a strong and sculptural expression. The Warka people are also known as … Continue reading Warka Mask
HLK 0415-1 Guro “Kweni “ Mask, Ivory Coast H: 50 cm (19″) W: 20 cm (7,3“) Painted Wood This beautifully carved and painted Guro mask represents the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble; a supernatural being. Gu is often depicted as elegant, graceful, serene and beautiful. An important characteristic in Guro art is … Continue reading Guro Mask
LRK 1010-1 Chi Wara Headdress, Bambara, Mali This is a simple, robust and almost ‘modern’ variation of a male Chi Wara. To the Bamana people, farming is the most important and noblest profession. At times of sowing, men of the Chi Wara association of farmers dance with headdresses like these in the fields to … Continue reading Chi Wara
NIK 0106-14b Chi Wara, Bambara, Mali H: 40 cm (15,7″), W: 59 cm (23,2″) This Chiwara Kun dance-crest is of unusual form, the classical antelope body presenting a second head with human features appearing from the middle of the throat, yet complementing and indeed balancing the composition as a whole. Native restorations in leather … Continue reading Chi Wara
HCK 1207-8 Ituri Mask with raffia, Congo H: 33 cm (13″), W: 19,5 cm (7,7″) Etori also called Ituri or Uituri is the name of a rainforest in DR Congo. The area is inhabited by many ethnic groups, that each make masks in different styles. In the northern part of the rainforest masks are … Continue reading Ituri Mask
NIK 0602-63 Gurunsi Mask, Burkina Faso H: 190 cm (74,8″), W: 35,5 cm (14″)
HEK 0107-5 SOLD Water Spirit Headdress, Ijo, Yoruba, Nigeria Wood, polychrome painting H: 92 cm (36,2″), L: 125 cm (49,2″), W: 23 cm (9,1″) It is rare to experience such an imaginative head adornment like this Ijo (Ijaw) Water Spirit Headdress. The whole setup with mirror, birds, marine and a horse rider shows the … Continue reading Ijo Headdress
JLK 1007-11 Ijo (Ijaw)Fetish Headdress, Nigeria Wood, Kaolin H: 36 cm (14,2”), W: 17 cm (6,7”) This fetish-like object is an assemblage of wood objects painted with kaolin. A fetish is a statue or object with magical power, like an amulet, talisman or good luck charm. Common to many tribes was the belief that … Continue reading Ijo Headdress
HCC – SOLD Tetela Mask, Zaïre (DR Congo) H: 54 cm (21,3″) + raffia This rare Tetela mask is an exceptionally beautiful and well-preserved piece of mask art from the Batetela tribe in Zaïre (D.R. Congo). The Batetela live in the region between Lusambo and the Upper Congo River, in the provinces of Sankuru … Continue reading Tetela Mask
HCK 0805-09 Kifwebe Mask, Songye, Congo H: 73 cm (28,7″), W: 22 cm (8,7″) This extraordinary, almost abstract, male Kifwebe mask with cockscomb is painted with different shades of brown pigment paint. A square, protruding pout is typical for the masks of the Songye tribe. These are very powerful masks, the most powerful for this particular … Continue reading Kifwebe Mask
NAK – SOLD Lega Passport Mask, Congo H: 16 cm (6,3″), W: 7 cm (2,8″) The Lega passport mask with face painted in white is used by the Lega people living near the northern end of Lake Tanganyika on the banks of the Lualaba River in the DR Congo. They are also known as … Continue reading Lega Mask
NAK 0607-8c – SOLD Lega Passport Mask, Congo H: 14,5 cm (5,7″), W: 9 cm (3,5″) The Lega passport mask with face painted in white is used by the Lega people living near the northern end of Lake Tanganyika on the banks of the Lualaba River in the DR Congo. They are also known … Continue reading Lega Mask
CIK 0608-1 Chi Wara, Bambara, Mali H: 35 cm (13,8″) Bamana Chi Wara (Ci Wara, Tyi Wara) from Mali, represent and honor the mythological half man / half antelope hero who taught man how to cultivate the soil. They were danced in pairs and celebrate the union of male (sun), female (earth) and fibre … Continue reading Chi Wara
HCK 0607-3 Ituri Mask, Congo H: 37 cm (14,6″), W: 17 cm (6,7″) Etori also called Ituri or Uituri is the name of a rainforest in DR Congo. The area is inhabited by many ethnic groups, that each make masks in different styles. In the northern part of the rainforest masks are made in … Continue reading Ituri Mask
SNK1212-28 Lega “Idimu” Mask, Congo H: 25 cm (9,5”), W: 18 cm (7”) Wood, white kaolin Mask like this called ’idimu’ are used in several different ceremonies related to the initiation into the the five progressive levels of the Bwami Society. In the kanyamwa ritual, two women dressed in bark cloth and seated behind … Continue reading Lega Mask
NAK 0613-13 – SOLD Baule, Goli/Kple Kple Mask, Ivory Coast, Africa H: 51 cm (20,1″), W: 27 cm (10,6″) This is a very nicely carved mask, called kple kple, a specific type of mask from the Baule people. Common features of the kple kple disc shaped facemasks include antelope shaped horns, round eyes, rectangular … Continue reading Kple Kple Mask
HCK 1114-1 Hunde Mask, DR Congo H: 35 cm (13,8″), W: 15 cm (5,9″) The Hunde are a small tribe established in the east part of the Condo, just above the Lake Kivu. The capital of ther region is Maisi. The are very close to the Lega, the Kanu and the Havu.
LUK 702-10 – SOLD Pregnant Woman Mask, Makonde, Tanzania H: 61 cm (24″), W: 31 cm (12,2″) Age: Very old This special body mask, carved from wood with breasts and swollen stomach and adorned with Makonde scarification bars which are symbols of tribal pride and beauty. The body mask along with a matching female … Continue reading Body Mask
LCK 702-13 Lega (Bwami) Mask, DR Congo Wood, white pigments H: 17,5 cm (6,9″), W: 14 cm (5,5″) Lega mask (lukwakongo or idimu) like this one are used as initiation objects in the Bwami society. The Lega masks are divided into five types according to material, size, and form: lukwakongo, kayam-ba, idimu, muminia, and … Continue reading Lega Mask
NAK 1011-3 Fang Mask, Gabon H: 52 cm (29,5″), W: 18 cm (7,1″) A vast majority of the Fang tribe, inhabit the equatorial rain forest in Gabon. A Fang mask is worn by spiritual leaders during rituals, to drive away evil spirits, or as symbols depicting wealth and prosperity. The Fang people used masks … Continue reading Fang Mask
CRK 0115-10 Senufo Deguele Helmet Mask, Senufo, Ivory Coast Wood, ritual patination with blue markings H: 38 cm (15), W: 22 cm (8,7″) This is a very fine Senufo Deguele helmet mask of hollowed domed shape perforated around the edges for attachments and it has a raised curved top with two finely shaped ears … Continue reading Helmet Mask
SNK 1212-27 Dan/Geh Mask, Liberia H: 30 cm (11,8″), W: 14 cm (5,5″) This stylized mask with abstract geometric features may come from the Dan/Geh of Liberia. Among the Geh, similar masks are used as agents of social control and may play the role of judges, gods or protectors of young initiates in Poro … Continue reading Dan/Geh Mask
HCK 0612-8 Lega Mask, Congo H: 12 cm (4,7″), W: 8,5 cm (3,3″) Provenance: Private Belgian collection. This small, bearded lukwakongo mask is from the insignia of the Bwami subgroup yananio, the last grade before reaching the pinnacle in the association. Representing the ideal Lega man, it is not only an object of transformation … Continue reading Lega Mask
EBK 0314-2 Dan Mask, Ivory Coast H: 22 cm (8,7″), W: 13,5 cm (5,3″) A fine Dan Mask with circular eyes, arched brows and a pierced mouth with prominent lips. The mask is encircled by three grooved borders and the edge of the mask is pierced for attachment of costume. It has a fine … Continue reading Dan Mask
EBK 0314-3 Guro “Kweni“ Mask, Ivory Coast H: 37 cm (14,6″), W: 13 cm ( 5,1 “) This beautifully carved and brown polished Guro mask represents the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble a supernatural being. Gu is often depicted as elegant, graceful, serene and beautiful. Important characteristics found in Guro art are; … Continue reading Guro Mask
SNK 1212-46 – SOLD Ibo Ceremonial Mask with Janus Face Mask/head crest, Ibo/Igbo tribe, Nigeria H: 53 cm (20,9″), W: 13,5 cm (5,3″), D: 15 cm (5,9″) Two sided mask Janus image occur throughout Africa. They allude to the ability of masks to see hidden truths in this world and into the world beyond. … Continue reading Ibo Mask
SNK 1212-68 Senufo Spitfire Mask, Ivory Coast/Liberia H: 30 (11,8″),, L: 55 cm (21,7″) Age: Est. 1960 This animal shaped helmet mask is carved by the Senufo, an agricultural people, who live throughout Mali and Ivory Coast. The Senufo use masks like this to frighten away treathening forces. The Senufo place a very high … Continue reading Senufo Mask
SNK 1212-44 Female Face Mask, “mbuya”, Pende Mask, DR Congo (Zaïre) H: 25 cm (9,8″), W: 24 cm (9,4″), D: 15 cm (5,9″) Pende masks are among the most dramatic works of all African art. The Pende are especially well known for their masks that were originally used for circumcision ceremonies but later became … Continue reading Mbuya Mask
SNK 1212-26 Bini Mask, Nigeria H: 26,5 cm (10,4″), W: 17 cm (6,7″), D: 9,5 cm (3,7″) Bini or Ibibio people live near Benin city in Nigeria. Many art objects of the Bini people are similar to pieces from the Yoruba or Benin people. However the Bini masks are of a very autonomous shape. … Continue reading Bini Mask
SNK 1212-30 Bini Mask with a Jockey Cap, Nigeria H: 27,5 cm (10.8″), W: 15 cm (5,9″), D: 13 cm (5,1″) Bini or Ibibio people live near Benin city in Nigeria. Many art objects of the Bini people are similar to pieces from the Yoruba or Benin people. However the Bini masks are of … Continue reading Bini Mask
HCC 0807-9 Ituri Mask, Congo H: 26 cm (10,2″) W: 16 cm (6,3″) Etori also called Ituri or Uituri is the name of a rainforest in DR Congo. The area is inhabited by many ethnic groups, that each make masks in different styles. In the northern part of the rainforest masks are made in … Continue reading Ituri Mask
Dan Mask, Ivory Coast H: 32 cm (12,6″) Dan masks are characterized by a concave face, a pointed chin, a protruding mouth, an upturned nose, a high-domed forehead and are often covered in a rich brown patina. Similar masks are found throughout the country, but regional stylistic variations occur. For example, northern face masks … Continue reading Dan Mask
AHK 712 – 0105-5 Lega Mask “Idimu”, Zaïre (DR Congo) A fine flat oval facial plane, almond-shaped protruding eyes divided by profiled nose, high curved brows with incisions. Lega masks are used as “bwami” initiation objects. There are five different types: “lukwakongo”, “kayamba”, “idimu”, “muminia”, and “lukungu”. They serve as important marks of rank, … Continue reading Lega Mask
HCK 1204-21 Lega Mask, “Bwami”, Congo H: 21,5 cm (8,5″), W: 11 cm (4,3 cm”) Provenance: Age mid 20th century. Private collection. Bought in Belgium gallery in 2004. This is a used and well carved Lega mask made out off a light wood. Lega masks are usually carved in a distinctive style, with a … Continue reading Lega Mask
Kpelie Mask, Senufo, Ivory Coast H: 32 cm (12,6″) It is a delicately carved mask combining both human and animal features. Although it was always owned and worn by a man, Kpelie represented the concept of feminine beauty and fertility. The unique features which characterize the Kpelie mask include elongated flanges radiating from the … Continue reading Kpelie Mask
HCK 1207-6 Pende, Sickness/Deformity Mask, Congo H: 23,5 (9,3″), W: 18 cm (7,1″) Provenance: Belgian collection. The mask is recognized by an opposition of black and white that bisects the face and a general distortion of facial features specifically the twisted nose and mouth. The colour white, symbolic of the spirits of the dead, … Continue reading Pende Mask
AMK 1007-2 – SOLD Janus Headdress, Idoma, Nigeria H: 44 cm (17,3″), W: 13 cm (5,1″) This beautiful headdress shaped like a ‘Janus Figure’ with two opposite faces comes from the Cross River Region Culture Idoma in Nigeria. The term simulates ambivalent symbol of life and fertility and also of death and sacrifice. Janus … Continue reading Idoma Headdress
PDC 0913-1 Spitfire Mask, Senufo, Elfenbenskysten H: 25 cm (9,8″), W: 18 cm (7″), L: 77 cm (30,3″) This animal shaped helmet mask is carved by the Senufo, an agricultural people, who live throughout Mali and Ivory Coast. The Senufo use masks like this to frighten away treathening forces. The Senufo place a very … Continue reading Spitfire Mask
HCC 1207-7 Ituri Mask, DR Congo H: 35 cm (13,8″) W:14 cm (5,5″) Masks of the Ituri River basin have been brought to the forefront only recently. Made by groups occupying the land among the Ituri pygmies, they utilize painted design elements on their surfaces that have long been associated with the better-known painted … Continue reading Ituri Mask
CAK 712-23c Ogoni Mask, Antelope Mask, Ogoni, Nigeria H: 38 cm (15″), W: 21 cm (8,3″). The Ogoni tribe lives to the east of the Niger delta, in a fertile area rich in petroleum resources. Despite the efforts of Christian missionaries, they have retained a vital, regionally varied masquerading activity that is in part … Continue reading Ogoni Mask
HCC 0305-11 – SOLD Songye Kifwebe Mask, DR Congo H: 55 cm (21,7″) Wood, red, white and black painted This extraordinary, almost abstract, male Kifwebe mask with cockscomb is painted with white, black and reddish-brown pigment paint. A square, protruding pout is typical for the masks of the Songye tribe. These are very powerful … Continue reading Kifwebe Mask
SLK 1207-2 Punu Mask, Punu, Gabon H: 30 cm (11,8″), W: 15 cm (5,9″) White and black painted wood The Punu people reside along the banks of Upper Ngoume River in Gabon. This Punu mask represents the idealized beauty of Punu women and at the same time the ancestors’ faces. The white color of … Continue reading Punu Mask
HCK 0608-2 Bamana N’Tomo (N’Domo) Mask, Bamana, Mali H: 39 cm (15,4”), W: 15 cm (5,9”), D: 10 cm (3,9”) This Bamana N’Tomo society initiation mask with raised prongs and a long, straight nose and with the mouth at the bottom of the mask. This mask is old and in very good condition, but … Continue reading Bamana Mask
HCK 0805-16 Bete (gre or nyabwa) Mask, Ivory Coast H: 25cm (9,8″), W: 16cm (6,3″) Wood in good condition with an encrusted patina This is an old Bete Tribe Gre or Nyabwa Mask from South Western Ivory Coast, that is in good condition. Gre masks were worn when peace was restored after a … Continue reading Bete Mask
HCC 1207-18 Yoruba Gelede Mask, Nigeria Polychrome H: 32 cm (12,6″), W: 19 cm (7,5″). Age: ca. 1900 AD to 1940 AD Provenance: Private Belgian collection. This old piece is a Gelede mask from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. It has considerable antiquity is a forehead mask, there are no eyeholes. The face is … Continue reading Gelede Mask
HCK 1204-12 – SOLD Dan Mask, Ivory Coast Dance Mask H:21 cm (8,3″), W: 14 cm (5,5″) Dan masks are characterized by a concave face, a pointed chin, a protruding mouth, an upturned nose, a high-domed forehead and are often covered in a rich brown patina. Similar masks are found throughout the country, but … Continue reading Dan Mask
CMK 712-1A Dan Mask, Ivory Coast H: 36 cm (14,2″), W: 14 cm (5,5″) Dan masks are characterized by a concave face, a pointed chin, a protruding mouth, an upturned nose, a high-domed forehead and are often covered in a rich brown patina. Similar masks are found throughout the country, but regional stylistic variations … Continue reading Dan Mask
NIK 0106-27 Lega Mask, Congo H: 27 cm (10,6″) Lega masks are usually carved in a distinctive style, with a heart-shaped concave face, slightly protruding forehead, a narrow nose. The faces of the masks are rubbed with white clay (pembe) each time they are used and thereby acquire the white patina that colors the … Continue reading Lega Mask
HCK 1204-22 – SOLD Lega Mask, Congo H: 25 cm (9,8″), W: 17, 5 cm (6,7″) Lega masks are usually carved in a distinctive style, with a heart-shaped concave face, slightly protruding forehead, a narrow nose. The faces of the masks are rubbed with white clay (pembe) each time they are used and thereby acquire … Continue reading Lega Mask
HCC 0807-7 Ituri Mask, Congo H: 36 cm (14,2″), W: 19 cm (7,5″) Etori also called Ituri or Uituri is the name of a rainforest in DR Congo. The area is inhabited by many ethnic groups, that each make masks in different styles. In the northern part of the rainforest masks are made in a … Continue reading Ituri Mask
NIK 0602-60 Monkey Mask, Bamana, Mali. H: 43 cm (16,9″), W: 18 cm (7,1″) Wood, dull dark brown-grey patina Rare and beautiful monkey mask named “sulaw”. The monkey is the animal representing the eighth and final class of Koré (There are six initiation degrees in Bamana and the last one the Kore is divided into eight … Continue reading Bamana Mask
HCK 1207-1 Walu Mask, Dogon, Mali H: 74,5 cm (29,3″), W: 19 cm (7,5″) Provenance: Belgian Collection Antelope masks like this fine old piece, are admired by the Dogon for their beauty and the strength of their performance. The Dogon used this cubistic Walu mask during ceremonies to commemorate the origin of death. The antelope … Continue reading Walu Mask
SNK 1212-29 Dan Mask, Ivory Coast/Liberia H: 25 cm (9,8″), W: 15 cm (5,9″) Age: Very old. Dan masks are characterized by a concave face, a pointed chin, a protruding mouth, an upturned nose, a high-domed forehead and are often covered in a rich brown patina. Similar masks are found throughout the country, but … Continue reading Dan Mask
[izoom] [/izoom] [izoom] [/izoom] [izoom] [/izoom] [izoom] [/izoom] HCK 0711-1 Ituri Mask, DR Congo H: 29 cm (11,4″), W: 19 cm (7,5″) Provenance: Private Belgian collection. Bought through a lawyer from Brussels. Age: Est. mid 20th century This face mask features human traits with oval holes for eyes, a aquiline nose, an open mouth filled with … Continue reading Ituri Mask
[izoom] [/izoom] [izoom] [/izoom] [izoom] [/izoom] [izoom] [/izoom] HCK 0608-4 – SOLD Boa Mask, Congo H: 30 cm (11,8″), W: 40 cm (15,7″) The Boa from Congo are known principally for their masks, believed to be used in war-related ceremonies, to enhance the warrior’s courage or to celebrate victories. This mask has set-apart, prominent, round ears, … Continue reading Boa Mask
HCK 0807-1 Kifwebe Mask, Songye, Congo H: 70 cm (27,6″), W: 25 cm (9,8″) This extraordinary, almost abstract, male Kifwebe mask with cockscomb is painted with different shades of brown pigment paint. A square, protruding pout is typical for the masks of the Songye tribe. These are very powerful masks, the most powerful for this … Continue reading Kifwebe Mask
HCK 1113-5 Walu Mask, Dogon, Mali. H: 45 cm (17,7″), W: 27 cm (10,6″) Provenance: Belgian collection. Antelope masks like this fine old piece, are admired by the Dogon for their beauty and the strength of their performance.The face of the mask is usually a rectangular box replicating Dogon architecture. The antelope is a … Continue reading Walu Mask
HCK 1113-2 Chamba, Mama Mask, Nigeria. H: 42 cm (16,5″), W: 19 cm (7,5″) Provenance: Dutch collection. The Chamba people, whose number was estimated to be 20,000 in the 1990´ies, live south of the Benue River. For the Chamba art has a prominent role as a symbol of transformation during funerals, initiation and to control … Continue reading Chamba mask
HCK 1113-4 Chi Wara Headdress, Bamana, Mali, Africa H: 57 cm (22,4″), W: 15 cm (5,9″). This beautiful antelope headdress is from the Bamana tribe in Mali. The figure is called a Chi Wara meaning a working animal. It is used during harvest festivals on top of the dancers heads attached to a rack. The dancers … Continue reading Chi Wara
HCK 0308-10 SOLD Kifwebe Mask, Luba/Songye DR Congo H: 87 cm (34,3″), W: 36 cm (14,2″) Female Kifwebe masks like this fine and rare example are meant to exude beauty, tranquility and inner peace. Predominantly white with a few touches of black it is associated with purity and the spirits among the Luba and … Continue reading Kifwebe Mask
HCK 1113-8 Kanaga Mask, Mali, Africa H: 106 cm (41,7″), W: 52 cm (20,5″) This Kanaga mask with typical geometric patterns represent the first human being according to the mythology of the Dogon people in Mali. Kanaga masks are worn during the drama dancing ceremonies. The Dogon believe that the Dama dance creates a … Continue reading Kanaga Mask
HCC 1113-2 Dyodyomini Bird Mask, Dogon, Mali, Africa H: 61 cm (24″), L: 59 cm (23,2″), W: 18 cm (7,1″) This brilliantly carved mask with its long beak represents a hornbill. In Africa the hornbird has a variety of meanings. Some places the hornbill is considered a symbol of fertility with the long beak … Continue reading Dyodyomini Mask
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