Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

18/1900s A Fine Bena Lulua Mask - Primitive African Folk Art

$2,625
$3,50025% Off
£1,993.75
£2,658.3425% Off
€2,303.44
€3,071.2625% Off
CA$3,679.03
CA$4,905.3825% Off
A$4,117.53
A$5,490.0425% Off
CHF 2,149.03
CHF 2,865.3825% Off
MX$50,212.63
MX$66,950.1725% Off
NOK 27,504.71
NOK 36,672.9425% Off
SEK 26,036.73
SEK 34,715.6425% Off
DKK 17,190.29
DKK 22,920.3825% Off
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Antique Bena Lulua Mask Late 1800s to Early 1900s – Democratic Republic of the Congo This striking primitive folk art mask hails from the Bena Lulua people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, crafted with remarkable detail and cultural significance. Originating from a private collection, it was acquired by a Norwegian collector in the mid-20th century (circa 1954). Hand-carved from lightweight wood, this mask is adorned with intricate geometric patterns painted in bold red, black, and white pigments. The hollowed, oval form features large, coffee-bean shaped eyes, prominent high cheekbones, and multiple piercings, showcasing the skill and artistry of the Lulua culture. The mask exhibits a beautifully aged surface with natural wear consistent with its age, including slight loss of paint and minor damage. Despite these imperfections, it remains a captivating piece of African folk art and a valuable representation of the Luluwa people's artistic heritage. In good condition for its age, this mask offers a unique and authentic glimpse into the traditions and craftsmanship of the Lulua culture.

More From This Seller

View All
A fine Kuba Mask - Rustic African Folk Art
Located in Skien, NO
Ngaady aMwaash Mask. African Antique Folk Art Kuba Mask, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Property from a Private Collection. Acquired by a Norwegian Collector...
Category

Antique 19th Century Congolese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Softwood

1800s Ancient Icelandic "Askur", Primitive Museum-Quality Early Antique
Located in Skien, NO
Extremely Rare Antique Icelandic Askur Jar with Lid (ca. 1800–1850s) – Museum-Quality Collectible This exceptional Askur, a traditional Icelandic food storage container, is a rare a...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Icelandic Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Wood, Ash, Pine

17/1800s Museum-Quality Wall Shelf, Primitive Farmhouse / Cabin RUSTIC Antique
Located in Skien, NO
Extremely Rare - Museum-Quality 17/1800s Norwegian Wall-Hanging Shelf This important and exceptionally rare antique wall-hanging shelf originates from Trøndelag / Trondelag, Norway,...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Bentwood, Pine

Scandinavian Folk Art - Farmhouse Butter Bucket, Hand-crafted, Norway, Signed
Located in Skien, NO
**A Masterpiece of Norwegian Folk Art: Exquisite Hand-Carved Butter Bucket/Porridge Amber from Telemark, Norway** Elevate your Scandinavian art collection with this exceptional, l...
Category

Early 2000s Norwegian Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Bentwood, Pine

Dated 1932 Norwegian hand-crafted birch wood jug / tankard, Baroque style
Located in Skien, NO
Primitive antique/semi-antique tankard in birchwood from Norway. Handcrafted in 1932 with a unique pattern, intricately decorated around the entire body and lid with hand-carved Ba...
Category

Vintage 1930s Norwegian Baroque Antiquities

Materials

Birch, Nutwood

1800s Scandinavian Stump Chair, Museum-Quality Hand-crafted Folk Art, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
**Step into the Past with a Rare 1800s Norwegian Folk Art Rustic Stool / Stump Chair** Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Norwegian craftsmanship with this extraordinary 19th-century kubbestool, a true masterpiece of folk art. Hand-carved from a single tree stump, this museum-quality piece hails from the heart of Telemark, Norway, and embodies the rustic charm and artistry of a bygone era. **A Visual Symphony of Carved Wildlife** This exceptional stool is adorned with a captivating array of relief carvings depicting a menagerie of animals and birds, each rendered with remarkable detail and character. Marvel at the majestic peacock, the loyal dog, the graceful fish, the enchanting birds, and the regal elephant—each figure telling a story of the artisan's imagination and skill. The original painted surface, with its harmonious palette of red, yellow, green, black, and white, has been lovingly preserved, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate patterns that define traditional Norwegian folk art. **A Unique Piece of History** What sets this kubbestool apart is its unparalleled uniqueness. No comparable piece has been found in museums or private collections, making it a truly one-of-a-kind treasure. The exquisite patina, born from over a century of use and care, adds depth and character to the stool, enhancing its rustic elegance and historical significance. **A Statement Piece for Your Home** Whether placed in a cozy cabin, a farmhouse, or a country-style interior, this stool brings a touch of timeless charm and cultural heritage to any space. Its functional yet artistic design makes it a versatile addition to your decor, serving as both a conversation-starting accent and a functional seat. **Own a Piece of Norwegian Heritage** This rare and collectible antique is more than just a stool—it’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a testament to the skill and creativity of Norwegian artisans. Elevate your collection with this extraordinary kubbestool, and let it transport you to the rugged landscapes and rich traditions of 19th-century Norway. **Key Features:** - Handcrafted from a single tree stump in Telemark, Norway, circa 1800s - Intricately carved reliefs of a peacock, dog, fish, birds, and elephant - Original painted surface in traditional Norwegian folk art colors - Exceptional patina and museum-quality craftsmanship - A truly unique piece with no known parallels Don’t miss the opportunity to own this remarkable slice of Norwegian heritage—a piece that transcends time and captures the essence of rustic elegance and artistic mastery. Dimensions ca.: Height: 87cm / 34.25 inches (Seat height 45.5cm / 17.91 inches) , Width: 41cm / 16.14 inches, Depth: 38cm / 14.96 inches. Text inside / under with previous owners' name. Wood Tree Stump / Wood Log Chair...
Category

Antique 19th Century Norwegian Folk Art Stools

Materials

Pine, Wood, Birch

You May Also Like

1950's Lega 'Idimu' Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Located in London, GB
This mid-twentieth century finely carved mask, from the Lega culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, displays the typically heart-shaped face of Lega 'Idimu' masks. Traces o...
Category

Vintage 1950s Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Raffia, Hardwood

Vintage Carved Wood Mask, African Folk Art 20th Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
A hand carved wood wall mask, vintage from the 20th Century. African Folk Art. Handmade and carved from a single piece of exotic wood, in a manner specific to traditional African ar...
Category

Vintage 1970s African Masks

Materials

Wood

Chokwe Mask – Mid 20th Century – Angola – African Tribal Art
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Bring home a piece of ancestral heritage with this authentic Chokwe mask from Angola, crafted in the mid-20th century. Rooted in deep cultural tradition, Chokwe masks were once used ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Angolan Tribal Masks

Materials

Hardwood

Fine Early 20th Century Chokwe Mask (Ex Afrika Museum Collection)
Located in London, GB
This early twentieth-century mask, from the Chokwe culture in Angola, displays unusual features. Carved from a light wood and decorated with yellow pigments, this fine mask exhibits ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Angolan Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Tribal Style Songye Kifwebe Mask, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
This graphic Songye Kifwebe mask has fine carved lines curved over the eyes and diagonal lines radiating from the nose and mouth in classic Kifwebe form. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Masks

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Large African Wooden Mask - 2Y474
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This early 20th-century large African wooden mask is a captivating piece of art. Measuring 26.6 inches (67.5 cm) in height, 6.7 inches (17 cm) in length, and 2 inches (5 cm) in thick...
Category

Early 20th Century Antiquities

Materials

Wood