Hello Patrick, I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal, Considering the photographs, overall pattern, material quality, outline and the colours, I concluded that this is an Entirely Hand Made African Bakongo Nail Fetish Face Mask. The piece likely dates back to the period from 1960 to 1980. This piece was carved in the style of the Bakongo people of Democratic Republic of Congo. The mask has a multitude of nails pounded into the top of the head, hence the categorization and the name. In the local culture this type of masks are known to have protecting function against witches, bad souls and harmful sorcerers. Bakongo people are a matriarchal society who values their independence. They are the largest tribe in the Democratic Republic of Congo and have considerable populations in neighboring countries as well. The piece is very highly decorated by carvings in comparison to other examples of the type. The piece has a metal string to be used on the face, the string is quite new. There are smaller faces carved on the both sides of the mask's mouth. The piece is in good condition with usually seen signes of usen and age. Entirely hand made. Dimensions: Unknown. Condition: The piece is in good condition with usually seen signes of usen and age. Provenance: Unknown. 100-120$. Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.
