African Tribal Art: Mbole People, Congo/Zaire: Mask, carved wood in the shape of an abstracted smiling face, with incised dots defining the eyes and nose, and longer incisions above each corner of the mouth. The hair is stained brown and the face is rubbed smooth, showing remnants of white kaolin clay which may have completely covered it. Mid 20th century. The mask comes with a custom-made display stand.
Mbole art forms show the influence of their neighbors, the Lega people.
14 H x 9W, 21 H on stand (inches).
Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York
Condition
Good condition with pigment losses and scuffs consistent with use and handling.
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