The Vili (also known as Bavili) live on the Atlantic coast, in Gabon and the Congo. Their art has many elements in common with that of their neighbours, the Yombe, Woyo and Kakongo. The present mask is carved in very lightweight, light-coloured wood and entirely coloured in white (by means of kaolin) on the front side. The naturalistic overall impression of this mask, the shape of the eyes and the open mouth with pointed teeth – in keeping with an ideal of beauty of the Vili and the Yombe – are all elements that suggest a provenance from among these tribes. Also, the conical projection atop the mask reinforces the impression that it may very well be one of the extremely rare masks of the Vili! This is because the more frequent sculptures of the Vili, mostly depicting female figures or mothers with their children, often feature a projection such as the present one on their head. The mask shows convincing usage patina on the outside as well as on the inside! It is partly slightly chipped and shows some colour abrasion due to age.
Otherwise only two very minor pieces broken off. Unusually old and very rare!
Between the 19th century and the first third of the 20th century; H: 29 cm.

Provenance: Collection of Prof. Rudolf Leopold, Vienna. (ME)

Lit.: 'Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture' by K.-F. Schädler, fig. p. 601.