Mask c. 20th century

3d sculpting

sculpture

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

sculpting

spray can art

surrealist

3d art

statue

digital portrait

This colorful mask, crafted by the Tabwa people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a stunning example of traditional African art. The mask is made from beads and feathers, with a geometric design that suggests a stylized human face. The Tabwa are known for their intricate masks, which are often used in ceremonies and rituals. This mask, dating back to the 20th century, is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In the past (and maybe still today), medium diviners among the Tabwa people were possessed by spirits, which enabled them to seek explanations and cures for illness and other misfortunes. This process of enlightenment was called “the rising of the moon,” an expression referring to the dawning of light and hope after a period of darkness. Tabwa artists graphically rendered this concept as a series of dark and light interlocking triangles, a very common motif that was incised as scarification on people’s bodies, braided into hairdos, woven into baskets, and engraved into metal bracelets. It is also visible on this diviner’s mask.