Basikassingo Mask, African, DR Congo,STAND Start Price USD 290.00 Current Price USD 290.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Basikassingo Mask, African, DR Congo,STAND' Description Title: Face Mask Type of Object:  Mask  Ethnic Group: Kissikassingo / Basikassingo Country of Origin:  Democratic Republic of COngo Materials: Wood Approximate Age:  20th Century Dimensions: 12.5 Inches Overall Condition: Good with signs of wear. Damage, Repair: None Provenance:  UnknownInformation: This finely carved mask comes from the Bassikissiango who are today settled in the eastern region of what is known currently as the Democratic Republic of Congo (previously known as Zaire).  Their sculptural style was for an extended period identified as Bembe in the past, however recent scholarship has given it’s rightful identity as Bassikassiango or simply Kissiango.  The Kassingo are found near Lake Tangyanika and the Luluabala River in a broad area intermixed with a number of other prominent art producing peoples including the Lega, Bembe and especially the Boyo and Holoholo, with whom they share closely related carving styles.  The Kissiango are best known for their carved figures called “Mizi”  that are kept on family shrines to depict ancestors, however much less is known about their masks and the role they play in Kissango society.  The elongated shape of the face, with its decorative fringe of beard, squared mouth and oval shaped eyes are similar to the faces of the mizi sculptures.  When used the mask would have been painted with opposing quarter sections of red and white paint. This mask shows signs of long wear on the roughened surface and at the back of the mask where evidence of much use is evident.  The mask has its own stand to enhance its presence.**030005** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!