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Lilwa Nkoy mask, Mbole people, D.R.C.

Name: Lilwa Nkoy mask, Mbole people, D.R.C.
Brand: Antikeo
SKU: PS2VAWJ1C2
Price: 1800 EUR
Availability: SoldOut

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CURIOSITAS

69620 Ternand

Display phone number +33 6 37 77 38 19

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Description

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This mask is called "Lilwa Nkoy" and is used by the "Lilwa" secret society at the end of the initiation period for young boys.
This mask features a face with minimalist, geometric features. The polychromy separates the face into four parts. Black for the bottom, white for the center with eyes and nose, red above the superciliary arches and yellow for the triangular forehead. The arched eyes intensify the gaze and suggest a certain knowledge and wisdom, while reinforcing the mask's significance within Lilwa society. The Belgian colonial administration attempted to ban this secret society in 1945-1946, but it continues to exist outside the law of the land. This is also one of the reasons for the rarity of these masks, as they were hidden and used in very secret ceremonies.
Height: 44 cm
Beautiful internal patina and old labels on the back, one of which reads "Bambole mask / Yongelo chiefdom / Lilwa cult / Yambili wearer".
Mbole people, Opala territory, Democratic Republic of Congo.
First part of the 20th century.
Provenance: collected by Lucien Desmare (1905-1961) before 1950.
Sold with its base

Ref: PS2VAWJ1C2

Additional Information

Ethnic group	Mbole - Bambole
Style	Tribal Art (African Masks of Tribal Art Style)
Period	20th century (African Masks 20th century)
Country of origin	Congo
Height (cm)	44 cm

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Location	69620, Ternand, France

Lilwa Nkoy mask, Mbole people, D.R.C.

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Description

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