Tribal Art

Rare set consisting of a basket on which are fixed a sculpted mask embellished with small bones and cowries. For the Boa, it would be a ritual altar for protection.
Grainy patina. Erosions, lacks. br /> Flanked by pierced lobes like the ear flaps of the Boa of the east, the "bavobongo", and a mouth lined with sparse teeth, this African mask gave an impressive appearance to its wearer, accentuated by the contrast of colors. Supposed to render invulnerable and with the aim of terrifying the enemy, the African mask kpongadomba or "Pongdudu" of the Boa was ordered by the chief kumu who offered it to the bravest warrior. It was then kept in his wife's hut. Close to the Mangbetu and the Zande, the Boa inhabit the savannah in the north of Democratic Republic of Congo. Some Boa would have used these masks for educational purposes with children since the pacification of the Uele region.