260430 - Large ANTIQUE African Kota mask - Gabon.

Old African mask from the Kota, Gabon.

This type of mask is used for entertainment of the spectators on festive occasions.

Hand carved from a single piece of wood.

Height: 60 cm.

This Kota mask is dated from the first half of the 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The most  Kota masks known as emboli or mbuto measure between 40 and 80 cm. In Kota villages the masks are worn during dances in celebration of the initiation of adolescent boys. During the ‘pedagogical’ part of the ritual the elders demonstrate to the young men that the masks are not monsters but human beings like themselves. 

This mask is also worn during anti-sorcery séances or for psychotherapeutic purposes. The mask representing a human head with a crest similar to the sagittal crest of the gorilla, covers the dancer’s face completely and is supported by a basketwork frame.Originating from the Kota people of Gabon, this wooden mask illustrates the ritual and sculptural traditions of this culture, renowned for its works linked to ancestral cults. Used in community and protective ceremonies, it embodied spiritual forces and played a central role in maintaining social equilibrium. Carved from dense wood, the mask is distinguished by its clean lines, harmonious volumes, and stylized features, testifying to the technical mastery and formal rigor of Kota artisans. The natural patina, marked by time and use, enhances its presence and the intensity of its symbolism.