Mangbetu, DR Congo, Haut Oubangui, first half of the 20th century. Beautiful palm mask from the Mangbetu people. The face features a hieratic expression accentuated by half-closed eyes and scarification marks. The mask is topped by a beautiful five-string harp. The finely sculpted head at the end of the neck echoes the facial expression of the mask. The recesses in the sides of the harp's resonance box recall the lutherie of the Zandé, neighbors of the Mangbetu. This bold composition is quite old. Wood, animal skin, hemp. Dark honey-colored patina with nuances. H : 57 cm Careful native restorations

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