Wonderful rar Binji mask from Congo. Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Binji (also Bindji) peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A lovely hand-carved wooden helmet mask known as a “tshibangabanga” displayed a dark-brown mask with full raphia. The mask is defined by a slanted lower periphery, a pointed chin, a prominent nose with tufts of braided and loose fibers, rectangular eyes. The cheeks are incised with crosshatch panels indicative of ritual scarification, with linear and zigzag motifs adorning the sides and verso, and a perforated top knot above the bulbous coiffure. Tshibangabanga masks like this example are believed to contain the greatest amount of spiritual power of the Binji masks, and only the “master of the initiation camps” can wear them.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany.

Object

Mask

Ethnic group:

Binji

Country:

DR Congo

Material:

Wood, Raphia

Estimated period:

Mid 20th century

Sold with stand:

No

Dimensions:

35x35x30

Weight:

1700 gram

Condition:

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reserve: $300.00

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Location: This item ships from The Netherlands

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