Lot A40 - Songye mask

Songye mask (attributed)

Democratic Republic of Congo

Wood, pigment. Height: 25.5 cm.

Carved with a rounded, projecting face and small crescent-shaped eye openings beneath arched brows. The surface is covered in finely incised linear striations radiating symmetrically from a central vertical ridge running from forehead to chin. A small tubular mouth projects slightly forward. The raised scarification patterning, highlighted with white pigment against a darker ground, is characteristic of Songye aesthetic conventions.

The reverse is hollowed with multiple attachment holes along the rim for costume elements.

Condition: good overall, with minor surface wear consistent with age and handling.