Lega (also Warega or Rega), Dem. Rep. of Congo: a rare Lega face mask with two horns, known as a ‘kayamba’ (antelope).
Lega (also Warega or Rega), Dem. Rep. of Congo: a rare Lega face mask with two horns, known as a ‘kayamba’ (antelope).
A rare Lega ‘kayamba antelope mask’ from eastern Congo. Carved from lightweight, hard, light-coloured wood, and dyed dark brown. With a ‘human’ face in the typical Lega style: the face portion proper is subtly heart shaped, with slit coffee bean eyes, a long, narrow nose and a small, open mouth. The two horns at the top of the mask are characteristic of these ‘kayamba’ masks.
The present ‘kayamba’ has visible colour scuffing due to age, particularly to exposed areas, to the forehead, nose and tips of both horns. Otherwise no damage and in excellent condition, with good, shiny patina on the front and back. There is an inventory number from a collection, in white letters, on the inner margin of the mask. A rare object.
Height: c. 30 cm (with horns); width: 14 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance: South African private collection.
Lit.: ‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue of the Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 179, 182, 184, 186; ‘Joyaux Lega’ by Benoit Rousseau, cover photo and ill. 9.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
06.04.2017 - 15:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 700.-
Lega (also Warega or Rega), Dem. Rep. of Congo: a rare Lega face mask with two horns, known as a ‘kayamba’ (antelope).
A rare Lega ‘kayamba antelope mask’ from eastern Congo. Carved from lightweight, hard, light-coloured wood, and dyed dark brown. With a ‘human’ face in the typical Lega style: the face portion proper is subtly heart shaped, with slit coffee bean eyes, a long, narrow nose and a small, open mouth. The two horns at the top of the mask are characteristic of these ‘kayamba’ masks.
The present ‘kayamba’ has visible colour scuffing due to age, particularly to exposed areas, to the forehead, nose and tips of both horns. Otherwise no damage and in excellent condition, with good, shiny patina on the front and back. There is an inventory number from a collection, in white letters, on the inner margin of the mask. A rare object.
Height: c. 30 cm (with horns); width: 14 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance: South African private collection.
Lit.: ‘L’art des Lega’, catalogue of the Musée du Quai Branly Paris, ill. 179, 182, 184, 186; ‘Joyaux Lega’ by Benoit Rousseau, cover photo and ill. 9.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 06.04.2017 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 01.04. - 06.04.2017 |