This mask was carved in the style of the Bakongo people of DRC. The mask has beautiful pigments throughout and nails pounded into the top of the head. He has an elaborately woven and decorated coiffure and glass eyes. The mask measures 16.5 inches tall and weighs 5 pounds. There is a previous repair to the left side of the face along with cracking, scuffing and general wear and tear throughout – please inspect photos. Stand not included but one can be added for an additional charge.
Sale!
Ornate Bakongo Nail Fetish Mask 16.5″ – DRC – African Art
$315.00
Sold
| Type of Object | Face Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | DR Congo |
| Ethnicity | Bakongo (Kongo) |
| Material | Wood, pigment, vegetable fiber, fabric, nails, beads, cowrie shells and glass eyes |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height | 16.5" |
| Width | 12.5" |
| Depth | 18" |
| Weight | 5 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Repair to left side of face. Cracking, scuffing and wear and tear. |
| Tribe Information |
Tribe Information
About the Bakongo People
Bakongo people are a matriarchal society who values their independence. They are the largest tribe in the Democratic Republic of Congo and have considerable populations in neighboring countries as well. The total population of the tribe was last estimated to be around 18 million world wide.
With such a vast population of people, their belief system is almost as so. For the most part, the majority of Bakongo people believe in a creator god and deities. When the Portuguese inserted themselves in the area in the 15the century, they used that belief system to convince the Bakongo that Christianity was the same thing. Missionaries would twist Bakongo language to push Christianity among the people, they would take words such as “nkisi” to mean “holy” as they were teaching their religion. Today, a mixture of traditional religion and Christianity is practiced. Both churches and shrines have been maintained.
Read more about the Bakongo here.