VILI

Face Mask, 19th century

This piece exudes a very archaic, tranquil, gentle, yet powerful presence. The mask dates back to the mid-19th century and was once completely painted. Intense wear and distinct signs of use bear witness to its long history and elevated status within its cultural context. Inside, one can observe white salt deposits, remnants of the sweat from its original wearers. Notably, the holes and old wooden nails at the chin indicate where a beard made of animal fur was once attached.

There are certain similarities to the art of the Lumbo in Gabon. The design of the eyes and the depiction of eyebrows and nose are present in their art as well. Additionally, the fact that our mask has a toothless mouth suggests this connection. Such parallels are a result of the geographical proximity of the ethnic groups and can make classification somewhat challenging. However, particularly the exaggerated design of the chin and indications of a once-existing goatee clearly allow us to attribute this artifact to the masks from the Bakongo complex.

References
ao-0133777, ex. Art Institute of Chicago, ex Yann Ferrandin
ao-0020665, collected 1910 by Heiberg, publ. Lehuard 1993
ao-0020715, ex. Dartevelle, Felix, Laliberté
(AHDRC-Database)

Vili (or Yombe), Western Congo, Cabinda, 28 cm
Wood & also wooden nails at the chin that fixed a former beard (animal hair.)
Hans Himmelheber, Carl-Otto Czeschka (1932), Julius Konietzko, Lore Kegel, Boris Kegel-Konietzko

Another treasure from our historical collection

MARKET DEBUT: 2024
PRICE ON REQUEST