Kongo Woyo Mask Antique African Masque Congo Zaire Superb Carving, Extensive Wear / Use, Exquisite Patina Start Price USD 1,295.00 Current Price USD 1,295.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, May 09, 2008 End Time Friday, May 16, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Kongo Woyo Mask Antique African Masque Congo Zaire' Description   Kongo Woyo NDUNGA Tribal Intiation MaskAntique African Masque Democratic Republic of Congo DRC Zaire Central Africa     An Exquisite Old Kongo Woyo NDUNGA Initiation MaskAntique African Tribal Art - Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC Zaire Collected from the: Woyo peoples of the Kongo Kingdom in the Atlantic Coast region of Zaire, Central AfricaMaterial: Wood, kaolin (white clay), pigment, skin oilPeriod: 19th century, conservativelyDimensions: 10.25" height, 7.5" width, 4.75" depth; weight is 1 pound Condition: Exceptional, given the obvious age and wear - clearly tribally used From a private Parisian collection, this early, exquisitely thinned walled carving remains completely intact and structurally sound. The glorious patina of time and use greatly enhance the personality of this delightful old character; exposed wood grain displays considerable patination. Thin age cracks test stable, presenting no further threat of damage to this remarkable old mask. Generous remnants of kaolin and original pigment are beautifully accentuated by skin oil patina that highlight the worn, natural wood tones. Make special note of the surface condition, the delicate, thin walled construction and fine tool marks that declare this mask the early work of a true master carver intended for ritual tribal use - clearly an important, much used piece as the smooth interior wear, obvious age of the wood, and body oil testify - stunning! Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this spectacular old masque! And be sure to see the fascinating AFRICAN MASKS in our eBay store! Or explore our stunning AFRICAN SCULPTURES! Click Images to Enlarge Information on Kongo Bakongo Woyo Mask TraditionsThis mask is from the Woyo. The Ndunga are representatives of the Bakhama initiation society and carry specific names. See L’Art du Zaire for a similar specimen. Art among peoples of the western portion of the Congo basin is used in leadership, funerary, and commemorative contexts, for the manipulation of mystical powers, and during rites of passage. Art proclaimed the authority of the Kongo kings, who were viewed as sacred. Luxury goods testified to their status, wealth, and privilege. Figures, stools, staffs of office, textiles, and other wonderfully embellished utilitarian objects set the king and his chiefs apart from commoners and established their right to rule. Kongo Bakongo Tribal HistoryThe art of the Lower Zaire River can be described as ‘Kongo art,’ but it actually contains numerous sub-styles, the detailed analysis of which has barely begun. Kongo art has justly been called one of the most remarkable in all of Africa. Its long history, and the variety and quality of its works, amply justify its fame. Often termed the "greatest of kingdoms" in Central Africa, the former Kongo kingdom unified the areas of lower Zaire, the Cabinda region, and northwest Angola in the fourteenth century. The six provinces were directed by a governor under the authority of a single King who was chosen by a council of tribal governors and ruled from his seat of power in the Mbanza capital. The Kongo first encountered Christianity when the Portuguese landed on the African coast in 1482. By 1485 missionaries were living at the royal court while Congolese nobles visited Portugal, the king then converted to Christianity with his baptism in 1491. Despite the king’s conversion, the Bakongo people continued their ancestral worship and traditional beliefs even into the huge contingent of Bakongo populations among the New World. The Kongo kingdom influenced the Vili, Yombe, Bembe, Bwende, Sundi, Dondo and Woyo who, as an integral part of this grand empire, produce sculpture that contained the same artistic themes: maternity figures, seated kings, prestige objects and nail fetishes. Three million Kongo people now occupy the Atlantic Coast region of Zaire, Congo, and Angola, in present-day Gabon. Cat. # om14 ************************************************************************************ THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!! We strive to earn your ***** FIVE STAR ***** rating in all 4 categories!If you are not 5 star satisfied, please contact us immediately!Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ! ************************************************************************************ Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs! Never a charge for handling! Important Note: UPS and USPS International request a daytime phone number for delivery, PLEASE be sure to include this information with your payment to ensure expedited service. Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking or free Delivery Confirmation. USPS insurance is optional and highly recommended. We gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases to reduce your costs - simply email us with your Zip or Postal Code for a combined invoice, PRIOR to making payment. We Offer a Variety of Payment Methods to Meet YOUR Needs ! PayPal, bank wire transfer or deposit, money orders, and certified or personal checks are all gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 10 days of auction close. In consideration of discounts given on Best Offers accepted, we respectfully request payment be made within 3 days unless prior arrangements are made. Please contact us directly if other arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help! Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed !!! Our commitment to customer satisfaction exceeds the standard authenticity or 'as stated' guarantees you may find elsewhere. We endeavor to ensure our collectors are thrilled with each and every item they acquire! Please contact us immediately if - for any reason - you are not pleased with your selection. Your purchase price will be gladly refunded once the item is returned to us, in its original condition, within 14 days of the initial delivery date. Affordable Auction Management and Image Hosting Solutions @ inkFrog view my other auctions below:   visit my entire auction showcase Place a Bid!