RARE DINGA MASK Metal - 29 cm D.R.Congo, Angola With a population of only 2000 to 3000 souls,
the Ding people had a very small production of sculptures. Their "best-know artifact is the hammer-wrought copper mask ngongo munene symbolizing the earth chief. Its characteristic rosette of raised dots is of Tukongo origin and is also found on the wooden Lwalwa masks" (Felix, 1987). The mask is used for the mourning and propitiatory ceremonies for important chiefs and by the chief himself during the initiation of young men. This mask is by far one of the most strong and expressive of its type. Provenance: Marc Leo Felix, Brussels (inventory number on the back: fx000448) Important private collection, Belgium