KUBA MASK
KUBA MASK
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KUBA MASK

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Details
KUBA MASK
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Height: 10 3⁄4 in. (27.5 cm.)
Provenance
Lee A. Ault (1915-1996), New York
Sotheby’s, New York, 6 May 1998, lot 235
Private Collection, Canada, acquired in 2000
Guy Laliberté Collection
Further details
MASQUE KUBA, RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO

Brought to you by

Alexis Maggiar
Alexis Maggiar International Head, African & Oceanic Art, Vice Chairman of Christie's France

Lot Essay

Most Kuba masks are connected to the nkaan initiation institution. This old example is related to the pwoom itok and ishendemala types of mask, both of which were used by the Ngeende. The very geometrical character of the composition, the cylindrical eyes and their coloring - evoking that of the ngady amwaash royal mask - are typical of this type of mask.

Les masques Kuba sont, pour la plupart, liés à l’institution de l’initiation, nkaan. Cet exemplaire ancien se rattache au groupe de type pwoom itok ou ishendemala, les deux en usage plutôt chez les Ngeende. Typique de ces masques est leur caractère fort géométrique, les yeux tubulaires et leur aspect colorié qui rappelle celui du masque royal ngady amwaash.

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