African Wood Mask

It looks like a decorative piece but is it modeled after a real tribal mask?

 

The photo is upside down, but this appears to be loosely based on a Bateke mask from the Congo. This is a style of mask that is often copied, "interpreted," or otherwise carved with artistic freedom, for the souvenir or African art decorator market. It's usually depicted in a basically round form, with big round eyes with a slit in the middle, and generally a rather small, protruding, mouth. In the recent reproductions, everything else is largely up to the maker, including the colors and patterns used to decorate it.

 

Thanks. I thought it is modern version of Luba kifwebe.
While you are around, can you give an opinion on the wooden bowl I have?
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/old-looking-painted-wood-bowl.19651/

 

It's possible, both the BaLuba and BaTeke make similar masks, with the round eyes. The Luba Kifwebe masks, however, characteristically feature a linear pattern of grooved or incised lines around the eyes. It's that patterned striation that typically identify Kifwebe masks.

Since this mask doesn't have those lines, I'd think it is more in keeping with the BaTeke masks. It could, however, be made strictly for sale, and by someone not associated with either tribal affiliation, and therefore not really patterned after any authentic mask, but just as a decorative piece.

As to the bowl, I'm not familiar with it at all, and wouldn't want to venture a guess, but I do get more of an Eastern European feel from it, if that means anything.

 

Thanks again.
At least you have a feel about the bowl I'm completely clueless.

 

hello all.. can someone tell me some information about this two items.. I purchased in a yard sale and I want to know if they have any value..
thanks all