Ngbandi Mask on Custom Stand Congo African Art

Description

Title
Ngbandi Mask on Custom Stand Congo African Art
Type of Object
Face mask
Country of Origin
Democratic Republic of the Congo
People
Ngbandi, see also Ngbaka or Ngombe
Materials
Wood, pigment
Approximate Age
20th century
Height (in)
22
Width (in)
9
Depth (in)
1
Other Dimensions
Height: 22 Inches
Mask 14 x 9 Inches
Overall Condition
Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
Damage/Repair
Pitting, surface wear.
Additional Information:
A powerful mask with strong geometrical forms shaping and an elegant concave face painted in white!
The offered mask  is attributed to the Ngbandi athough it comes from an area where a number of different groups living within close proximity to Ubangi-Lualaba Rivers share culture, language, political and religious structures which influences their arts. The ridge of scarification on the nose is a significant trait in the identification of the masks from this region.
The Ngbandi as well as the Ngbaka live in an area bounded by the Ubangi and Lualaba River systems with the Ngombe scattered along the Lualaba River The Ngbaka moved into the area inhabited by the Ngbandi and as a result both groups share sculpture forms and the details of scarification that often leads to some confusion as to the attribution of their masks. Though both groups use masks they are less numerous among the Ngbandi than among the Ngbaka where masks are known as Dagara and are used during initiation ceremonies known as Ganza or Gaza for young men and when boys are circumcised. The masks of the Ngombe are less finished or detailed and were used during initiation ceremonies known as ‘Mani’. These masks are known by the heavy  reaching from the hairline across the forehead ending more than half-way down the nose.
Recommended Reading:
Kerchache's ART OF AFRICA
**133602**
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