Mask – Wood, Raphia, Beads – Kuba – DR Congo

Great wooden Biombo mask from DR Congo Biombo people occupy a territory limited to the region directly south of the junction of the Lulua and Kasai Rivers. The masks attributed to them have surface decoration related to that of the Eastern Pende, notably surfaces with dark and white triangles, but the principal mask shapes show Kuba influence. The Biombo are, however, an entirely different group from the Kuba, with stylistic forms drawn from a variety of sources. The masks were worn in circumcision rites.

Great mask with clear traces of tribal use and aging. Provenance: former private German collection.