Tribal Art

Teke mask (N° 20704)

The pictograms of the Téké mask of Gabon emphasize oppositions symbolizing duality in the universe: circular, they are divided horizontally by a band and their surface is decorated with geometric patterns painted with often polychrome pigments.
In addition to a lunar symbolism, these pictograms refer to regional body scarifications.
Velvety patina. Residues of kaolin. Abrasions.
Height on base: 50 cm. Only the Tsaayi, among the Teke subgroups of Gabon, produced wooden masks from the mid-20th century. They were used by members of the secret male brotherhood kidumu ( kidumu is the name of the society, the dance, and the mask), at funerals of village notables or at weddings and other important ceremonies. They appear more and more, since the independence of the Congo, at celebrations.