Masque tribal - Téké - République Démocratique du Congo (Sans Prix de Réserve)

These Teke masks are magnificent circular masks in wood with the most complex stylised motifs in relief. As we can see in the picture of context. Masks like these were worn by dancers hidden under a headdress of feathers or raffia.

We owe this masks to the Kidumu society, specifically to the Tsaye people, who live in the north of the Niari River. Adopting the form of a disc, sometimes covered with red, white and blue pigments, sometimes with black and white, it is symmetrical and balanced, and has several symbols. Unreal in appearance, it fascinates by its artistic value and great modernity. The signs carved on such masks have been subject to diverse interpretations. The large horizontal line would represent the horizon and fix the boundary between heaven and Earth. The half circles on top and below would represent the phases of the moon. As we can see on the last picture, the mask of the Kidumu society was accompanied by a thick raffia headdress.

These items come without stand.

Additional comment:
“Most flat masks are strictly reserved to the Tsai group of the Teke tribe and represent a human face in an abstract way. They are used by members of the Kidumu society.
The facial features, the eyes and the mouth are only minor elements within a decorative whole, highlighted by the polychromy.
At the same time, the drawing consists of a composition of symbols. The headdress ranges from a simple to the most elaborate form of outfits, made of woven fibres and fabric, ornamented with feathers and raffia fringes. " Cornet, 1978.

Provenance:
Unpublished piece, first sale, without sales or collection history. This item comes from the family heritage of a Cameroon tradesman and collector.