African Bena Lulua Mask, Kasai, DR Congo, 1940s

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A rare Bena Lulua mask from the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the early … Read more A rare Bena Lulua mask from the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the early to mid 20th century. While the Lulua are celebrated for some of Central Africa's most accomplished sculptural traditions, masks from this culture are encountered considerably less often than their renowned ancestor figures, making authentic examples increasingly scarce. The mask shows harmonious proportions, distinctive facial features and restrained geometric ornament, with surviving blue, white and ochre pigments. Shows a beautiful patina. It is not only an important object of Central African culture, but equally a sculptural work of remarkable sophistication. The mask was held in a private collection in Belgium and comes in a very good and original condition. See less