Mask – Wood- Kete – Congo

Fabulous Kete plank mask (Kete Mkaj Ankalab)from DR Congo. The KETE people farm along the southern border of the KUBA kingdom and live in independent villages led by family chiefs.

A fine wooden mask which is flat and angular in shape. To the front are carved sections to form the face. The nose is wide with a central ridge, the eyes are square, small and pierced. To the top of the nose is a crest forming the brow ridge and forehead. The mouth is angular and open to reveal rows of teeth held together in an aggressive manner. The small ears to the side are highlighted with white pigment to the centre. The face i scovred with painted white dots.

Provenance: former private German collection.