Lot A58 - Teke Mask

Teke Mask

Teke people, Democratic Republic of the Congo / Republic of the Congo (attributed)

Wood with red, white and black pigment.
Height: 41 cm.

Flat oval board mask with bold, abstract geometric patterning in mineral pigments. The central area carries stylized facial features integrated into a formal design composed of cross-shapes and outlined forms, while the perimeter is punctuated with alternating areas of color and small perforations for costume attachment.

Such masks are associated with Teke masquerade traditions, where painted planar masks played a role in performance and ritual assemblies.