AMBETE, GABON (CA)

Democratic Republic of Congo

Reliquary Figure.

Wood, Kaolin pigment, fibres.

Height: 27 cm

The back is hollowed out and was used to contain a reliquary.

£290.00 (+£10.00 with custom made black iron stand)

SONGYE, MALE KIFWEBE MASK (CA)

Democratic Republic of Congo

Wood, fibre, pigments.

Height: 51 cm (wood mask only)

This male mask, used in the context of the BWADI BWA kifwebe secret society.

Part of the old rafia costume is still intact and traces of the original red, white and black pigments are still visible. The size of the crest denotes its importance.

£755.00 (+£25.00 with custom made black iron stand)

KWELE FACE MASK, GABON (CENTRAL AFRICA)

Height 28 cm Width 19 cm

The rare masks of the Kwele are associated with the BWETE association which maintains social order. The masks are used at initiation ceremonies and at periods of mourning. Painted with Kaolin earth, a pigment associated with light and clarity, are two essential factors in the fight against evil.

£365.00 (+£25.00 with custom made black iron stand)

CHINONGO FOREHEAD MASK, CHOKWE, ANGOLA (CA)

Democratic Republic of Congo

Forehead mask, male CHINONGO

Wood, fibre, textiles, feathers, glass beads.

Height: 21 cm (wood mask only)

The male CHINONGO mask represents power and wealth. He is the counterpart of PWO. Both are of noble stock and belong to the important group of dance masks AKISHI A KUHANGANA. The scarification and coiffure played an important role in iconographic identification.

£465.00 (+£25.00 with custom made black iron stand)

PWO FOREHEAD MASK, CHOKWE, ANGOLA (CA)

Democratic Republic of Congo

Forehead mask, female PWO

Wood, fibre, textiles

Height: 17.5 cm (wood mask only)

PWO symbolizes the eminent position of the woman in this matrilineal society, and evokes the female ancestor who exercises a favourable influence on her descendants. The wearer, always a man, performs an elegant dance for the assembled public, and women in no way must ever touch the dancer. The scarification and coiffure played an important role in iconographic identification.

£365.00 (+£25.00 with custom made black iron stand)

PWO FOREHEAD MASK, CHOKWE, ANGOLA (CA)

Democratic Republic of Congo

Forehead mask, female PWO

Wood, fibre, textiles

Height:19.5 cm (wood mask only)

PWO symbolizes the eminent position of the woman in this matrilineal society, and evokes the female ancestor who exercises a favourable influence on her descendants. The wearer, always a man, performs an elegant dance for the assembled public, and women in no way must ever touch the dancer. The scarification and coiffure played an important role in iconographic identification.

£365.00 (+£25.00 with custom made black iron stand)

PWO FOREHEAD MASK, CHOKWE, ANGOLA (CA)

Democratic Republic of Congo

Wood, fibre, textiles, metal ear-rings, cowries, beads, bakerlite.

Height: 22cm (wood mask only)

PWO symbolizes the eminent position of the woman in this matrilineal society, and evokes the female ancestor who exercises a favourable influence on her deScendants. The wearer, always a man, performs an elegant dance for the assembled public, and women in no way must ever touch the dancer. The scarification and coiffure played an important role in iconographic identification.

£375.00 (+£25.00 with custom made black iron stand)

NGIL, FANG-OKAK, EQUATORIAL BORDER, NEAR GABON (CA)

NGIL, FANG-OKAK, EQUATORIAL BORDER, NEAR GABON (CA)

Large pair of Ngil face masks (Impressive, almost identical matching pair).

Height: 55cm
Width: 28cm

The white faced masks of the NGIL represent a masquerading that waned over sixty years ago. Worn by members of a male society, they are recognised judges and mediators. Having gentle expressions, and clad in raffia costumes, they would appear in the village after dark, illuminated by flickering torchlight. The typical face-painting with Kaolin clay, invoked the spirits of the ancestors.

Available with custom made free standing black iron stands.


£600.00 the pair (£650 with stands)

NGIL, FANG MASK, GABON (CA)

NGIL, FANG MASK, GABON (Central Africa)

Face mask.

Wood, Caolin pigment, grasses.

Height: 36cms

Worn by the elders of a secret society, they are recognised and respected as judges and mediators.

£275.00

The Yorkshire Tribalist

Please email me at brierleyalison@hotmail.com with any enquiries.

Warm regards.

Alison (aka Tribal Ali)