
Title | Bena Lulua Stacked Family African Art 13 Inch Miniature |
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Type of Object | Carving |
Country of Origin | Democratic Republic of Congo |
People | Luluwa |
Materials | Wood, pigment |
Approximate Age | 20th century |
Height (in) | 13 |
Width (in) | 3.5 |
Dimensions | Height: 13 Inches Width: 3.5 Inches |
Overall Condition | Fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. |
Damage/Repair | Cracks, chips and general wear. Stands a little wobbly |
Additional Information: The Lulua are well know for their elaborate body marking and facial scarification through their sculptures and early 19th century photographs. This mask has round marks on the bulging forehead similar to Lulua sculpture. The treatment of the eyes, ears and smiling face are also taken from Lulua figural sculpture. This face mask with its expressionistic sculptural forms and well carved details conveys some of the 'body art' so well developed among the Lulua. Among the Lulua, earlier known also as the Bena Lulua, masks are rarely experienced and where known are given short definitions of how they are used such as during the circumcision of young boys or other rites of passage. This lack of information is due in fact that there are simply few masks recorded among the Lulua. This is a rare example of its kind and would be of good addition to any collection.