Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pende, ca. early 20th century CE. A wood mask featuring a raffia-cloth-covered coiffure rising into four conical forms, stitched with blackened vegetal fiber and mounted atop the head in a striking configuration. The face presents a bulging brow, heavy-lidded eyes, and a mouth carved with sharpened teeth. Three raised scarifications crown the forehead, while linear markings accent the cheeks. The raffia and fiber headdress encircles the face and extends beneath the chin, indicating that the mask was once worn snugly around the performer's head. This example may represent a fumu (chief) mask of the Pende, used in ceremonial contexts such as initiation rites and communal dances. Size: 15.5" L x 10" W (39.4 cm x 25.4 cm)

Exhibited: "Hands on... Culture Shock!" Ralph T. Coe Foundation for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hands-On Curatorial Program 2015. April 25 - December 31, 2015.

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Ralph T. Coe personal collection; acquired in 2003 from Taylor Dale (TAD) Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Galerie Walu, Zurich, Switzerland

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#196218

  • Condition: Black fiber losses, particularly around the edges of the raffia headdress and the conical coiffure tips. Wood has stains and discoloration, but otherwise good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000