Three Songye Bikashi kifwebe, Democratic Republic of Congo, each with linear carved decoration, with protruding butterfly shaped mouths, painted in black & white pigments, 34cm & 2 x 37cm

The Andrzej Von Staranburg Niedenthal Collection, London, UK.

Condition Report

The larger mask with geometric carving has a very fine hairline crack issuing from the bottom right corner heading towards the mouth, approx 8cm. A further 9cm fine hairline split at the rear right side edge, which extends 4cm on the exterior. A 7cm fine crack to the bottom right of the mask, a small piece missing from a pierced hole. (see images), otherwise generally in good condition.

The smallest mask has a central 10cm split running from the centre bottom of the mask towards the nose (see images). A small chip to the bottom of the left eye and left temple, otherwise in general good condition.

The large mask with furrowed crest has a large chip to the rear of the mask, from which issues a 16cm crack with smaller cracks issuing across the top of the mask. A 2.5cm long split to the side of the mouth, rub/scuff marks to the right side of the nose and bottom right of the mouth. A small fine split under the right eye. (see images).