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ID #SA1080408
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African Tribal Kuba Dance Mask 19th Century, Congo
Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall
for sale €761     $826
£650

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2015
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Id #SA1080408
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African Tribal Kuba Dance Mask 19th Century, Congo

19th century
Description

This decorative African tribal Kuba dance mask hailing from the heart of Congo, dating back to the 19th Century. The mask is a remarkable representation of the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of the Kuba people.

The mask’s face is adorned with intricate geometric pigmentation, a characteristic feature of Kuba artistry, which adds a layer of depth and complexity to its appearance. The patterns are thoughtfully designed, each line and shape contributing to a harmonious whole that is both captivating and mysterious.

Adding to its allure, the mask is embellished with a variety of beads and shells, meticulously mounted to enhance its aesthetic appeal. These adornments not only add texture and dimension to the mask but also reflect the Kuba people’s connection with nature and their environment.

The mask, once used in traditional Kuba dance rituals, now finds itself displayed on a bespoke metal stand. This modern presentation contrasts beautifully with the mask’s historical and cultural significance, making it a striking piece of decor that commands attention and sparks conversation.

In summary, this African tribal Kuba dance mask is more than just a decorative item; it’s a piece of history, a symbol of a rich cultural heritage, and a testament to the artistic skills of the Kuba people. It’s a unique artifact that brings a piece of the Congo right into your living space.

Height: 12 1/2 inches (32 cm)

Width: 8 1/4inches (21 cm)

Depth: 3 inches (8 cm)

Height including stand: 25 1/2 inches (65 cm)

Physical Dimensions
Height
32cm (12.60")
Width
21cm (8.27")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Declaration

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall has dated this 19th Century Kuba Mask to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1080408
Dealers Internal Reference
SA160
Dealers Notes

Surrey Antiques have been dealing in and restoring fine furniture since 1982. With over 35 years experience dealing in all types of antique furniture from early oak and walnut to Georgian mahogany and the more exotic timbers such as rosewood and satinwood.

Whilst we deal mostly with mahogany furniture of the Georgian period designed by some of the greatest furniture designers such as Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite and Adam we also have a very good in depth knowledge of all the main periods of English furniture design from early oak to Regency and Victorian.

Description
This decorative African tribal Kuba dance mask hailing from the heart of Congo, dating back to the 19th Century.
The mask is a remarkable representation of the rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess of the Kuba people.
Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall
fig 1. A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.
fig 1. African Tribal Kuba Dance Mask 19th Century, Congo

The mask’s face is adorned with intricate geometric pigmentation, a characteristic feature of Kuba artistry, which adds a layer of depth and complexity to its appearance. The patterns are thoughtfully designed, each line and shape contributing to a harmonious whole that is both captivating and mysterious.

fig 2. A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.
fig 2. African Tribal Kuba Dance Mask 19th Century, Congo

Adding to its allure, the mask is embellished with a variety of beads and shells, meticulously mounted to enhance its aesthetic appeal. These adornments not only add texture and dimension to the mask but also reflect the Kuba people’s connection with nature and their environment.

fig 3. A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.
fig 3. African Tribal Kuba Dance Mask 19th Century, Congo

The mask, once used in traditional Kuba dance rituals, now finds itself displayed on a bespoke metal stand. This modern presentation contrasts beautifully with the mask’s historical and cultural significance, making it a striking piece of decor that commands attention and sparks conversation.

fig 4. A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.
fig 4. African Tribal Kuba Dance Mask 19th Century, Congo

In summary, this African tribal Kuba dance mask is more than just a decorative item; it’s a piece of history, a symbol of a rich cultural heritage, and a testament to the artistic skills of the Kuba people. It’s a unique artifact that brings a piece of the Congo right into your living space.

Height: 12 1/2 inches (32 cm)

Width: 8 1/4inches (21 cm)

Depth: 3 inches (8 cm)

Height including stand: 25 1/2 inches (65 cm)

Height
32cm (12.60")
Width
21cm (8.27")
Depth
8cm (3.15")
Date of Manufacture

Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall has dated this 19th Century Kuba Mask to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1080408
Dealers Internal Ref
SA160
Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2015

We offer a friendly and reliable service based on traditional values, where personal service and customer satisfaction are paramount..

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall Profile Page

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A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.
1 / 7
Archive I A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.

African Tribal Kuba Dance Mask 19th Century, Congo

Archive II A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip. View II
Archive III A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.
Archive V A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip. View V
Archive VI A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip. View VI
Archive VII A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Unit 7A
Pankhurst Farm
Bagshot Road
West End
Surrey
United Kingdom
Verified Since Dec 2015
Items For Sale 71
Items Sold 115
Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall
Verified Since Dec 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Unit 7A, Pankhurst Farm, Bagshot Road, West End, Surrey, United Kingdom
Verified
Dec 2015
For Sale
71
Sold
115
A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.
African Tribal Kuba Dance Mask 19th Century, Congo
Ref: SA1080408
A carved wooden African Kuba dance mask decorated with painted geometric triangular patterns, cowrie shells along the crest, and a beaded central nasal strip.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Scale Reference
Archival Detail
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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Originating from the Kuba Kingdom in the Democratic Republic of Congo, these masks represent ancestral spirits and historical figures, traditionally utilised during ceremonial performances, royal court rituals, and initiation rites.

Kuba masks are carved from local hardwoods and adorned with natural elements including cowrie shells, woven cloth, glass trade beads, and mineral pigments applied in intricate geometric patterns.

Authentic period masks typically display evidence of genuine ceremonial wear, natural age patina, wear around attachment holes, authentic hand-carving tool marks, and historical attachment techniques using natural fibres.

Mounting the mask on a bespoke museum-style display stand allows it to serve as a tactile focal point on a sideboard, console, or bookshelf, where its geometric forms complement contemporary or eclectic decor.

Keep the artifact in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and high humidity, dust gently using a soft dry brush, and avoid applying chemical polishes or liquid cleaners to preserve the original pigments and organic materials.
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