African art: Unusual Old Weathered Mask, Kumu D R Congo - eBay, Wood, Sculptures, Art. (end time 13-Jan-10 14:12:28 AEDST)

Item specifics - Art

Original/Reproduction:	Original	Era:	1970s
Originating Region:	Africa	Condition:	Used

African Art at Timbuctu to Tasmania

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Interesting weathered old Mask, Kumu People, Democratic Republic of Congo.

This quite dense softwood mask, now little more than a shell due to the ravages of time and insects, was carved by the Kumu people in D.R.C. It was possibly used during initiation ceremonies by the divination society Nsembu.
The patina is extremely worn and has a village repair to a hole in the chin - visible on both the back and front of the mask - as well as remnants of kaolin pigment used to decorate it. I do not know the exact age of this piece however my estimate is that it could easily date to the 1970's. It measures 23 x 15cm. Shipping weight is 1.5 KG. and it is supplied with stand pictured.

Kumu people live to the north and west of the Lega in the Eastern part of D.R.Congo.
Stylistically there are profound resemblances between the KUMU, MBOLE, YELA as well as the LENGOLA. These ethnicities all had rituals of circumcision and initiation.
Kumu masks are amongst the most important objects to their culture. They are used by the Nkunda society of sorcerers who call upon primordial ancestors for purposes of social control. Taking hallucinogens was part of these cermonies and during the ensuing trance information was revealed. This served the Kumu as one of major methods of divination.

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Since its inception in 1989 Sidewalk Gallery has become a renowned Tribal Arts Gallery. Specialising in Antique & Traditional African Sculpture representing more than 85 separate cultures collected from 26 countries across Africa.

Ethnic jewellery and other items of adornment , both antique & contemporary, from every continent continues to astound all who enter the gallery.
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