Democratic Republic of the Congo
Circa 1920
Wood
Height: 12¼ in (31.1 cm); Width: 7½ in (19.1 cm)
Provenance: Belgium trade
This lion mask is carved with a rounded head, projecting muzzle, open mouth, shaped ears, and incised surface lines indicating the mane. The pierced eyes and broad snout give the mask a naturalistic animal character less common among the more abstract mask traditions of Central Africa. The warm worn surface and visible carving marks are consistent with age and handling.
Lion imagery in Central African ritual and ceremonial contexts carries associations of strength, authority, and spiritual force, though the specific original function of this example is undocumented. Its subject matter and form place it apart from the more familiar range of Congolese mask production.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Circa 1920
Wood
Height: 12¼ in (31.1 cm); Width: 7½ in (19.1 cm)
Provenance: Belgium trade
This lion mask is carved with a rounded head, projecting muzzle, open mouth, shaped ears, and incised surface lines indicating the mane. The pierced eyes and broad snout give the mask a naturalistic animal character less common among the more abstract mask traditions of Central Africa. The warm worn surface and visible carving marks are consistent with age and handling.
Lion imagery in Central African ritual and ceremonial contexts carries associations of strength, authority, and spiritual force, though the specific original function of this example is undocumented. Its subject matter and form place it apart from the more familiar range of Congolese mask production.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
