Category Archives: Masks

Masker post.

Body Mask

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

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

Igbo 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

Bembe Head

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

Kple Kple 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

Janus 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

Teke 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

Bete 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

Mende 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

Dan-Guere 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

Lega 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

Punu 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

Urhobo 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

Chi Wara

       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

Makonde Mask

       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

Bwa 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

Lega 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

Mbangu 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

Afikpo 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

Chi Wara

       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

Kpelivee Mask

       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

Warka 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

Guro 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

Chi Wara

       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

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

Ituri Mask

       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

Ijo Headdress

       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

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

Tetela Mask

       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

Kifwebe 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

Lega 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

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

Chi Wara

       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

Ituri Mask

       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

Lega 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

Kple Kple 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

Hunde 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.

Body Mask

       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

Lega 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

Fang 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

Helmet 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

Dan/Geh 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

Lega 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

Dan 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

Guro 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

Ibo 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

Senufo 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

Mbuya 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

Bini 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

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

Ituri 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

       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

Lega 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

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

       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

Pende 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

Idoma Headdress

        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

Spitfire Mask

   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

Ituri 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

Ogoni 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

Kifwebe 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

Punu 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

Bamana 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

Bete 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

Gelede 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

Dan 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

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

Lega 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

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

Ituri 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

Bamana 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

Walu 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

Dan 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

Ituri 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

Boa 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

Kifwebe 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

Walu 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

Chamba 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

Chi Wara

   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

Kifwebe Mask

       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

Kanaga 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