Congolese Folk Art
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Place of Origin: Congolese
A Songye Male ‘Power’ Figure
Located in London, GB
A Songye Male ‘Power’ Figure
Open aperture to the head and stomach
Fine overall patina, loss to feet
Democratic Republic of Congo
19th Century
Size: 23cm high - 9 ins high
The ...
Category
19th Century Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
A South Eastern Congo, Zaire Songye Protective Fetish Figure ‘Nkishi’ of Geometr
Located in London, GB
A South Eastern Congo, Zaire Songye Protective Fetish Figure ‘Nkishi’ of Geometric Form the arms placed to the side
A plug of fetish material in the head cavity a strip of old hide and fur around the waist
Old smooth crusted patination
19th Century – Early 20th Century
Size: 20cm high – 8 ins high / 29.5cm high, 11½ ins high (including stand)
The face of this protective figure is typical of the strong angularity of Songye carving. Amongst the Songye ‘Nkishi’ were associated with a magico-religious society known as ‘bukisi’ which controlled initiation camps and circumcision ceremonies. A shaman would ritually add magical substances ‘bashimba’ to activate the figure as a source of power that would give protection and ensure well-being. Larger figures ensured the tranquillity of the whole community and promoted village fecundity and fertility. Smaller personal or family ‘Nkishi’ were used for protection against illness, sorcery, witchcraft, and war and to promote fertility. Due to their considerable powers the figures were considered dangerous and so they were manoeuvred by means of rods or sticks attached to their arms. They were sometimes made to walk as if on parade.
These small half figures were not always used as personal protective devices, but were placed in gourd bowls and used by diviners to communicate with the supernatural world. These divinatory calabash were filled with a number of symbolic objects such as chicken claws, teeth, stones, seeds, etc., as well as carved wooden figures. The Songye’s ritual use of calabash can be compared with the baskets used by the Tshokwe.
Provenance:
Ex English Private collection
Acquired 1950’s
Ex Finch and Co...
Category
19th Century Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Large Figurative African Mangbetu Anthropomorphic Vessel / Jar
Located in Studio City, CA
This is a fantastic piece likely made by the Mangetu tribe of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is finely detailed and quite large and hefty. These pieces were originally made...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Kholuka Yaka Mask, DR Congo
Located in Paris, FR
Kholuka Yaka Mask, DR Congo.
Wood, basketry, textile, raffia.
Typical African mask of the Yaka in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kholuk...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Textile, Raffia, Wood
Kifwebe Female Mask from Congo, 20th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This feminine Kifwebe mask of the 'Kikashi' type features a prominent forehead and a subtly raised central crest leading down to the nose. Its round, high-relief mouth adds to its al...
Category
20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Metal Currency Exchange Object
Located in Schellebelle, BE
Exceptional African Currency Object in Patinated Metal,
Congo from around 1970,
the metal has a beautiful Green colored patina and shine and
has the correct signs and marks of use a...
Category
1970s Vintage Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Carved-Wood 'Bembe' Statue
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Carved-Wood 'Bembe' Statue. Republic of Congo, circa 1970.
Category
1970s Vintage Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Female Kifwebe Mask with old collection label, Luba-Songye People, DR Congo
Located in Leuven , BE
Traditionally, Kifwebe masks were created and worn by members of the secret masking society, Bwadi Bwa Kifwebe, of the Luba and the Songye People living in the central part of the Co...
Category
20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Ibibio Anthropomorphic Standing Male Janus Figure, Nigeria
Located in Leuven , BE
This elaborate Janus statue is a rare example of an Ibibio free-standing figure to recall a well-defined ancestor in what seems a European outfit .The Ibibios lend supernatural power...
Category
20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Tribal Raffia Hat from Africa
Located in Schellebelle, BE
Exceptional Tribal Art piece, an African ceremonial hat made out of
hand-woven Raffia,the raffia has a nice warm and natural Brown color and has hand-painted African decorations and ...
Category
1990s Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Raffia
Kuba Mweel Mask
Located in Austin, TX
"Residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kuba people are true artisans whose craftsmanship fueled traditional rituals, performances, and storytelling. Natural materials, in...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Shell, Burlap, Wood
Kuba Bwoom Mask
Located in Austin, TX
Residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kuba people are true artisans whose craftsmanship fueled traditional rituals, performances, and storytelling. Natural materials, in this case cowrie shells, hold a long history of use in African art often associated with beauty and spirituality. The Bwoom mask...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Copper
Vintage Tribal Bakonongo Terracotta Vessel with Ethnic Depictions Congo 1950s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Very beautiful and well-preserved vintage terracotta vessel with removable lid from the Congo region,
Bakongo ethnic group.
The fine decoration is partly engraved, but also modeled ...
Category
1950s Tribal Vintage Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Terracotta
Iron Spear Currency, Topoke, DR Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Topoke, DR Congo, Africa
Iron
Early 20th century
36 x 6 in. / 91 x 15 cm.
Height on custom display stand: 38.25 in. / 97 cm.
These big iron spear points were made by groups livi...
Category
Early 20th Century Other Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Mid-20th Century Ceremonial Comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Ceremonial comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo
Made of palm leaf midribs, this large, graphic comb has a pinched waist and is held together with finely wrapped wire. Presented o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wire
Salampasu Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceremonial African mask is linked to the Salampasu people of the Bantu ethnic group located primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Salampasu masks...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Bamboo
Songye Basangwe Mask DRC Wall Hanging Mask Circa 1950s
Located in Torquay, GB
On offer is a Basangwe mask from the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, circa 1950s.
The mask has the typical facial shape of the Basangwe mask.
At the top, it has a pair of stylised birds decorated with punched triangles. Their long beaks seem to suggest Hornbill or Kalao bird.
The eyes are slanted elongated slits, it has narrow nose and protruding circular mouth in a light russet colour.
It has a banded stripe design in black and white more similar to a Songye Kifwebe mask...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Old African Songye Female Kifwebe Wall Mask with Expressive Face Large Sized
Located in Torquay, GB
Large sized Songye Female Kifwebe mask from The Congo circa 1920s.
Traditionally, the Kifwebe mask is very symbolic in the Bantu culture of central Africa.
Its striking colours and carving symbolise the battle between good and evil.
Female Kifwebe masks represent femininity, the continuation of life and a good omen.
These masks were used for wedding ceremonies, reproduction rituals and other such occasions.
This large mask...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Salampasu Warrior Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
Divided into contrasting tones, this ceremonial African mask is linked to the Salampasu people of the Bantu ethnic group located primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Salampasu masks...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Yaka Standing Wood Janus Male/Female Divination Figure DRC Congo, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Yaka Carved wood standing Janus back to back male/female divination figure DRC Congo, Africa
The figure is 17 1/2" inches mounted on a custom metal stand. Male figure with open mout...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Kuba Woman's Prestige Hat (Mpaan)
Located in London, GB
In Kuba society, title holding is dominated by men; there are only two titles held by women. Headdresses were and are the most visible expression of o...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Shell, Beads
Fine Early Prestige Kuba Chieftain's Cap (Laket Mishiing)
Located in London, GB
Traditionally worn as a symbol of rank and title, this beautiful Kuba chieftain's cap (laket mishiing) is embellished with cowrie shells and rows of blue, white and black glass beads...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Shell, Natural Fiber, Beads
Rare 2 Faced Twin Lega Mask DRC Large Sized
Located in Torquay, GB
Rare large twin faced Lega mask of the Bwami society in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), circa 1930s.
This mask is very rare in that it is a large size ceremonial mask and would h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 20th century African Cuba cloth from the Congo
Located in UTRECHT, NL
This very early African Kuba cloth is made out of natural fibers to wear at ceremonial festivities.
Made entirely by hand with striking colours.
Beautiful to hang on your wall in a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Raffia
Superb museum quality Holo mvunzi wooden statue late 19th century Congo
Located in Leuven, BE
Superb and rare museum quality Holo mvunzi wooden statue late 19th/early 20 th century DR Congo / Angola
For sale at Art Gallery Decoster Belgium
Tribe :...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique superb Pende mbuya mask DR Congo late 19th century
Located in Leuven, BE
Antique superb Pende mbuya mask DR Congo late 19th century
Mask with filed teeth !
Available at art Gallery Decoster Belgium
Tribe : Pende
Country : DR Congo
Age: late 19th / early...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Tribal Textile, Kuba Shoowa 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
An outstanding example of an early 20th century Kuba Prestige cloth, with variations of the endless knot motif, called Imbol by the Kuba.
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber, Raffia
Fine Female 'Biteki' Figure (Ex Romy Rey Collection)
Located in London, GB
This beautifully carved 'Biteki' figure, from the Yaka culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, depicts a female crowned with a large, abstracted coiffure. The figure exhibit...
Category
20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Mask by N Dala, Congo, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful ceramic mask by N. Dala. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Perfect original conditions, 1975.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Ceramic, Terracotta
Fine 19th/Early 20th Century Fetish Figure
Located in London, GB
This fine fetish figure, from the Luba/Kusu culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dates back to the early twentieth-century or before, to the nineteenth-century. The carve...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
20th Century Red Mola Quilt, Kuna People, San Blas Islands, Panama
Located in Point Richmond, CA
20th century Mola quilt, Kuna People, San Blas Islands, Panama
This large quilt is composed of thirty-six molas, including some depicting various animals and sea creatures, Jesus Ch...
Category
1970s Tribal Vintage Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Cotton
Wooden Pende Antropomorphic Statue Congo Region Kasaï -19th century African Art
Located in Leuven, BE
Very rare Ancient And Exceptional Anthropomorphic Statue From The Pende Tribe
Country : DRCongo Kasaï Region
Age : late 19th century
Height : 48 cm
Excellent condition / missing t...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Raffia, Hardwood
African Basuku Helmet Mask
Located in Chicago, IL
During their five hundred year history in the Southern Congo, the Basuku tribe developed a series of intricate rituals built around their skilled mask makers. This particular example was most likely carved in the likeness of a deceased chieftain. The artisan intentionally pronounced the eyes, cheeks, and chin to provide a terrifying test for young men as they underwent their rites for manhood. The Basuku's spiritual expressions inspired early 20th century western painters...
Category
20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
African Seated Luba Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Artisans from the Luba tribe were renowned for the organic flow of their carving style. This example clearly shows the smooth transition from aspect to aspect, maintaining a singular...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Set of three Kusu (Tribal) currency from Democratic Republic of the Congo
Located in Chicago, IL
Three Kuso Currency pieces known as Boloko are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are made from forged iron and were used as currency in commerce. Today, they are sculp...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Tribal Textile, Kuba Shoowa 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
A late 19th or early 20th century Kuba Prestige cloth, mostly embroidered with cut pile borders.
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Tribal Textile, Kuba Shoowa 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
An example of the continuation of the Kuba design tradition into the late 20th century. Technically superb, an amalgamation of traditional patterns interpreted by contemporary artist...
Category
Late 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
Ndop Kuba Statue From The Kuba Ndengese Shoowa Tribe Dr Congo Kasaï African Art
Located in Leuven, BE
Exceptional royal Ndop statue From the Kuba / Ndengese / Shoowa tribe - DR Congo Kasaï region - Circa 1940-1950
Length = 56 cm
Perfect condition
Note : Image of individual kings
Alt...
Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Congolese African Tribal Carved Hemba Helmet Mask, Suku Peoples
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand.
A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space!
Dimensions: (approx)
Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep;
Mask only: 15" Tall;
7 lbs total
Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas.
Excellent Condition:
Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example
Primitive Arts Of Africa:
Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Raffia, Wood
Statue Of The Tshokwe / Chokwe Tribe - DR Congo African Art Angola - Early 20th
Located in Leuven, BE
Old and exceptional statue Of The Tshokwe / Chokwe / Lwena Tribe - Dr Congo African Art - early 20th century (circa 1910-1930)
Fetish / Tshibinda Sta...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Statue Of The Tshokwe / Chokwe Tribe -Dr Congo African Art Angola - Early 20th C
Located in Leuven, BE
Old and exceptional statue Of The Tshokwe / Chokwe / Lwena Tribe - Dr Congo African Art - early 20th century (circa 1910-1930)
Fetish Tshibinda (Ilun...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Gbilija Zande tribe Shield - Nzakara - Dr Congo - 19th Century - African Art
Located in Leuven, BE
Exceptional Gbilija Shield from the Zande tribe- DR CONGO
Museum Quality
Very rare piece in perfect condition.
Exceptional piece and museum quality (see photos please)
Period: 19th C...
Category
Late 19th Century Tribal Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wicker
Statue Of The Teke Tribe DR Congo African Art Early 20th Malebo Pool Brazzaville
Located in Leuven, BE
Rare and beautiful antique Teke powerful statue RD Congo in Cubist style (see pictures).
Situated DR Congo / Congo Brazzaville Malebo Pool area Central Africa
Height: 31cm
Early 20th...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Kusu wooden ancestor fetish ca 1900 DR Congo Africa Central African Tribal Art
Located in Leuven, BE
Nicely carved Kusu / Congo statue with beautiful face / almond shaped eyes and triangular face with beard. Top of the head is a big hole to charche the po...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Kuba Currency Spear, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
While shield and spear were central to African combat, this example by the Kuba People of Central Africa was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-coloniza...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Iron
Songye Nkisi Power Figure
Located in London, GB
A rare and large hand carved horned Songye Nkisi power figure. A ‘Nkisi’ is a protective power figure of the Songye, southeastern Congo. Such sculptures are used as a major role in t...
Category
20th Century Primitive Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Statue Nkishi People Songye / Songe - Dr Congo African Art Late 19th century
Located in Leuven, BE
Old / Authentic And Rare Nkishi Statue Songye / Dream People - Dr Congo African Art
Period: Late 19th century
Height: 17 cm
Very beautiful red patina...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Teke Ibia Ax From The Teke Tribe, Dr Congo Brazzaville 19th Century Mfinu Laali
Located in Leuven, BE
An exceptional and very rare prestige ibia axe DR Congo/Brazzaville of the Teke /Mfinu and Laali people.
Axes like these type belonged to the Teke chiefs / Kings
A museum quality and...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Brass, Iron
Luba Royal antique caryatid enthronement emblem early 20th DR Congo Africa
Located in Leuven, BE
Rare Royal caryatid seat Luba Rd Congo in Cubist style and cascade shaped coiffure (see pictures).
Patina of use
Height: 35cm
Early 20th century (around 1920).
Superb and rare except...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Suku helmet mask with antilope DR Congo ca 1930
Located in Leuven, BE
Rare beautiful museum quality authentic Suku Helmet Mask (Hemba type) DR CONGO ca 1930.
Beautiful patina with traces of polychrome
Art gallery Decoster / ...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-Twentieth Century 'Idimu' Mask
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
1950s Tribal Vintage Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Raffia, Hardwood
Early Twentieth-Century Mask With Powerful Expression
Located in London, GB
This striking early twentieth-century mask, from the Kete culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, previously belonged to the private collection of Penn Kent, the former Dire...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Metal
Early 1800s Wrought Iron Mbili African Currenzy on Metal Stand
Located in New York, NY
Rare Mbili currency used in the Ngbaka, Lobala and Bangala tribes in Congo. Circa Early 1800s, this spear point form is made in iron. It was used as a ma...
Category
Early 19th Century Tribal Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wrought Iron
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 Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Ngbaka Congolese Tribal Mask for Initiation Rituals, Early 20th Century
Located in London, GB
With a beautiful dark patina, this early 20th century wooden mask shows a naturalistic human face, flattened, with the forehead, open mouth and stylised teeth in light relief; the ri...
Category
Early 20th Century Tribal Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
Antique Tetela Textile, DR Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Congolese Textile
Tetela
DR Congo
19th century
Measures: 68 x 41 inches (172 x 104 cm)
Provenance: Ambre-Congo gallery, Brussels
$5,000.
A very rare ...
Category
1880s Tribal Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Natural Fiber
African Futurist Black Tribal Mask by Bomber Bax
Located in Milano, IT
Contemporary African single mask created by the artist Bomber Bax.
The mask dates back to the early 1900s and was subsequently processed and painted in late 2022 by the artist.
The...
Category
Early 1900s Tribal Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Wood
19th Century, Copper Crosses Called Handa, Katanga Region, D. R. Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Copper crosses called Handa, Katanga region, Republic of Congo, 19th century.
Cast copper in the shape of an equal-armed cross used as a form of curren...
Category
19th Century Tribal Antique Congolese Folk Art
Materials
Copper
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