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113 - Nsembu / Ibole mask, Kumu Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic …
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Estimate €2,000 - €3,000
Sale commission
Description
Nsembu / Ibole mask, Kumu Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Material: Wood. Base included (gallery condition). Provenance: Permeke family collection From James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the painter Constant Permeke. The objects presented in this sale come from the collection of James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the painter Constant Permeke. Permeke, grandson of major Belgian artist Constant Permeke. Kept in the family for several decades for several decades, this collection bears witness to a provenance directly linked to one of one of Belgium's most important artistic lineages in the 20th century. Dimensions: H. 27 cm (38 cm with stand) A rare Kumu anthropomorphic mask whose main interest lies in its singular sculptural architecture. architecture. Whereas many African masks emphasise the modelling of volumes, this one is built around an interplay of geometric planes. is built around a set of rigorously arranged geometric planes. The face appears as a veritable composition, organised by large triangular and oblique surfaces converging on a particularly powerful central nose. nose. The immense circular orbits, deeply hollowed out, dominate the composition and create a striking contrast contrast with the sobriety of the other elements. They give the mask an almost abstract presence, reinforced by the deliberate reduction of the features. The discreet mouth, pierced by small visible teeth, further accentuates the tension between formal simplicity and expressiveness. The organisation of the forehead is undoubtedly the most remarkable feature of the work. Two vast lateral fields Two vast lateral fields frame a central area in relief that extends down to the nose, creating an almost monumental effect. This unusual faceted construction is more a reflection on volumes than a simple representation of the human face. than a simple representation of the human face. The antique patina, dark and nuanced, emphasises the ruptures in the planes and highlights the quality of the quality of the sculpture. The peripheral perforations, designed to hold elements that have now disappeared, are a reminder of its original ceremonial use. original ceremonial use. The radical treatment of the forms, the balance of its masses and its almost sculptural character in the modern sense of the term make this mask one of the most important pieces of its kind. This mask is one of the most original expressions of the Kumu repertoire. A rare work Its strength lies less in the abundance of detail than in the exceptional mastery of its visual architecture. visual architecture. Mask
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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