Carved wooden mask from the Woyo peoples, Congo / DRC, Africa. The Woyo reside near the mouth of the Congo river, in western Congo and in the western part of the enclave of Cabinda in Angola. Their masks represent ‘earth spirits’, the most important spirits in the Woyo’s religious belief. The masks, called ‘ndunga’, were used by the ‘Bakama’ secret society. During ritual trance performances, the ‘ndunga masks’ consolidate the power and authority of the ‘earth spirits’ and – as a sort of ‘police’ – guarantee the stability of the social order.The mask interior and edges all show heavy wear and handling, suggesting possible field use. A display stand is can be included for an additional $35.00. The mask itself measures 20 inches tall x 13.5 inches wide. Provenance: Ex. Galerie Lippell, Ex. Mcconnell Collection, VA and CA, USA.

fair, weathered, small areas of decay