1249 - Face mask made of raffia and fabric. Yela (Mbole) people, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 19th–20th century

Face mask made of raffia and fabric. Yela (Mbole) people, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 19th–20th century Dimensions: 119 × 30 × 10 cm. Ritual mask of the Yela people, a subgroup of the Mbole, characterized by its elongated shape and refined aesthetic, enhanced by the inclusion of organic elements such as raffia and woven fabric. This type of mask was associated with initiation societies and ceremonial contexts linked to the social and spiritual order of the community. Its formal simplicity, the use of light pigments, and visible signs of wear attest to its ritual function and antiquity, fully reflecting the aesthetic and symbolic principles of Mbole art. Item located in an international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: No import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required. Due to its age and history of use, this lot may show signs of wear and previous interventions. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no specialized technical testing has been performed. The absence of any mention of restorations does not guarantee that none exist. You may request additional information before placing a bid. This does not affect the buyer’s statutory rights.