african mask African Tribal Face Mask Kongo spoon Belgian African art collection-5270

42.2/9.2 CM
Belgian African art collection. Anthropomorphic spoons are recurring in tribal art. This is distinguished by the quality and finesse of the sculpted figure perched on the bowl. We find the canons of Kongo art. Although ritual, the spoon also quickly became an outward sign of wealth and prestige. The Vili , the Lâri, the Sûndi, the Woyo, the Bembe, the Bwende, the Yombé and the Kôngo formed the Kôngo group, led by King ntotela . Their kingdom reached its peak in the 16th century with the trade in ivory, copper and the slave trade. With the same beliefs and traditions, they produced statuary endowed with codified gestures in keeping with their vision of the world.