Exceedingly Rare Tabwa Beaded Possession Cult Mask, African Art
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:31498 | Tribe: Tabwa |
Color: blue | Maker: Tabwa |
Material: Wood | Original/Reproduction: Original |
This mask features a wonderful array of antique glass beads set into patterns that have esoteric and mysterious symbols related to the Bulumbu possession cult. The mask is decorated with old beads, shells , feathers and woven textiles. Most of the adornment remains though is old and tattered.
This mask was used to commune with the Ngulu earth ...spirits, a powerful natural force in Tabwa religious ceremonies. The central "Third eye" like symbol represents "the eye of Kibawa", the rays emanating from it represent the new moon, and the enlightenment gained from interaction with the spirit world.
The mask measures 10.5 x 8 inches. A basic display stand will be included.
Completely original untouched patina.
My name is Todd Zieseniss and I have been selling African, Asian and Pre-columbian Tribal Arts for nearly 25 years. I opened my first gallery "Tribal Gatherings" in 1994 and I have sold well over 20, 000 works of Ethnographic arts in this time. I was one of the original sellers of Tribal Art on Ebay when it first started under the Ebay name "brightpath" and then I opened a second selling sight "Tribal gatherings" a few years later, which I still maintain.
I have worked in authentication and appraisals for Rago auctions and other major auction houses in the Philadelphia region. I have contacts worldwide for Ethnographic arts and I am happy to help you build your collection.
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