Masque, Kongo ou Tschokwe, République Démocratique du Congo

Pace Primitive, New York, 1983
Collection privée

African Arts, août 1983, volume XVI, n°4, p. 25 (Publicité Pace Primitive)
Arts d'Afrique Noire, index des n° 1 à 77, 1991, couverture 
Lehuard, Art Bakongo, les masques, 1993, p. 852

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Exceptionally old rough patina with some small dents and losses. Some scratches and dents, especially to the edges. Old losses to the rear, especially the edges. Two old labels stuck to the rear. In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Depuis sa première publication, ce masque ancien et d'une grande rareté a été attribué - notamment par Raoul Lehuard (Art Bakongo, les masques, 1993, p. 852) - à un artiste Kongo. Le visage, émergeant d'une large colerette enveloppante, s'apparente pourtant très étroitement au style Tshokwe de l'expansion. Il évoque en particulier le masque féminin pwo (femme, ou mwana pwo, jeune femme), inspiré des traits d'une femme dont la beauté suscitait la plus grande admiration.