Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Azande, late 19th to early 20th century CE. Very rare, an Azande hand-carved wooden face mask with incredible encrusted, thick, deep patina. The finely carved face mask presents an expressive visage with openwork eyes and mouth, a broad forehead, a long, straight nose, and a narrow chin. This mask would have been used by the Mani society during funeral ceremonies. Interestingly, the secret Mani society has traditionally celebrated the significance of women. They create highly ornamented female statuettes called yanda to protect members from illness, evil spirits, and any danger. Masks like this example, however, are exceedingly rare! Size: 7.75" W x 9.125" H (19.7 cm x 23.2 cm)

Provenance: ex Dr. Peter Horvath, Florida and Massachusetts, USA; ex- Wallace collection, Florida, USA, 1988 to 2008; ex-Patric Didier Claes, Kinshasa, 1987

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#156726

Nicks and encrustations to face, peripheries, and verso, with a few stable hairline fissures along top periphery and mouth, otherwise intact and in fine condition; ritually trimmed beard. Perforated beside the eyes for wearing.