A large ancient dance mask from the SUKUMA tribe of northern Tanzania. Mid 20th century. powerful expression The Sukuma are a Bantu ethnic group inhabiting the south-eastern African Great Lakes region in Tanzania. Sukuma means “north” and refers to “people of the north. Sukuma masks served various purposes in society,…
This Pende mask called Mbangu, represents a bewitched man, struck by a series of diseases or curses that wizards have inflicted on him. Height : 30 x 23 cm Materials : Wood, Rafia , Pigment Provenance : Private Collection Estimated age : Mid 20th Century
Used for Ceremonies the Whiteness is associated with positive characters (purity, goodness, light, breast milk …). The function of these Luba masks is beneficial; their dance must animate protective spirits. Height : 58x26cm Material : Wood , Pigment Provenance : Private Collection EStimated Age : early 20th Century