**Originally Listed At $500**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bakongo peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. This is a remarkable ceremonial mask hand carved from wood then decorated with a striking arrangement of iron nails, raffia attachments, cloth, and giant African snail shells. The visage is comprised of open lips that are lined with several iron spikes. The flared nose, narrow eyes, and bulging forehead with ached brows create a very intense gaze, and the lower edge is pierced and strung with raffia tassels. The surface is painted an ashy white, and the ears are pierced with brass earrings. The impressive headdress has a central wooden ovoid box sealed with a glass mirror as the lid which is flanked by the snail shells - the box usually contains medicinal items. Dozens of iron nails are hammered and bent into the top and the verso is hollowed out for wearing and covered with a piece of textile. This fetish mask was used to drive away evil spirits. Size: 5" L x 11" W x 23" H (12.7 cm x 27.9 cm x 58.4 cm); 36" H (91.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Part of the Bakongo spirituality involved the belief in objects known as nkisi (plural minkisi) that spirts could inhabit. The minkisi represented the ability to both contain and release forces that could be both malevolent and benign. Figures and vessels that contain a nkisi have traditionally been used during judicial procedures of the Bakongo peoples. In addition to settling legal disputes, nkisi nkondi have traditionally been used to protect a village, demonstrate innocence or guilt, heal the ill, and put an end to disasters. The types of nails or blades used reflects the kind of agreement made or the severity of the offense. The addition of glass or mirror reflected the "other world" that the spirits came from, and a window that the spirits can see through.

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#168506

The mirror glass is heavily cloudy and no longer reflective. Rich mineral deposits on head and russet patina on nails. Some abrasions and chipping to wood and fading to pigments. Some fraying to textile and raffia, and active shedding to raffia.