This is the rating and price for Lwalwa, Mask, 1940

Description : Wood, brass Lwalwa peoples, D. R. Congo, circa 1940 The abstract face with a heavy brow over a large nose, protruding mouth and rectangular eyes Linear scarifications accenting the head, forehead, nose and chin and white pigment inside the mouth Ears with brass studs and small hole behind each ear Inside with original rope attached to a hole between the mouth and nose Fine patina Old label on inside with faded lettering on the inside Mounted on a metal stand Dimensions: 30 x 16.5 cm Good condition Provenance: Patric Claes The art of the Lwalwa is most renowned for its powerful and highly cubistic masks, of which the present piece is a beautiful example. The prominent nose-profile is a reference to the long beak of the calao bird (Ceyssens in MRAC 1995: 327) and the characteristic cylindrical protrusions on the temples represent skin decoration called dejindula or kankolo. The hole between the mouth and nose still has a rope attached, which was clasped between the teeth of the performer (cf. African-American Institute 1975: 104, text to fig. 76). In the early 20th century African masks became sources of inspiration for many artists of the Parisian avant-garde, including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. They adopted their abstract and geometric features to break down the facial planes of their painted and sculpted figures, replacing them with masklike faces. For the influence of Lwalwa masks on Picasso's sculptures see Rubin (1984: 324). Literature: William S. Rubin, Primitivism in 20th Century Art: Affinity of the Tribal and the Modern, MoMa 1984 Condition: The mask is in good condition with signs of wear consistent with age and use. There are some fine fissures to the wood, some abrasions and notches. The dimensions are 30 x 16.5 cm. Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.
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