Fine Songye Female Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo
kifwebe
Wood, pigments, metal
Height 17in (43cm)

Provenance
Alain Guisson, Brussels
Private Collection
(Illegible collection label on interior)

Of classic form, the rounded head with slightly raised central crest running down along the nose; large eyes with heavy lids with slit eyes above a convex facial plane with squared, puckered mouth pierced through; the surface expertly carved with alternating black, white and dark red lines curving together on the top, angling downward on the sides and angling up to meet at the front center where the artist has carved a scale-like layer on the nose, all of which accentuate the expressiveness.

Old eroded loss to bottom edge on right; to holes on top of head; indigenous repair with three metal staples on lower left front; losses around rim; age distress lines, nicks, abrasions, scratches and wear consistent with age. Custom stand.