{"product_id":"very-old-yaka-ceremonial-mask-dr-congo-african-tribal-art","title":"Very old Yaka Ceremonial Mask — DR Congo - African tribal art","description":"Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo — Yaka peoples\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 40 cm\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Carved wood, natural fiber attachments, pigment\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Genuine vintage piece showing wear and losses consistent with age, ceremonial use, and natural exposure (see details below)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSEND YOUR OFFER FOR THIS ITEM. WANT MORE PIECES? WE DO DISCOUNT ON MULTIPLE PIECES PURCHASE AND COMBINED SHIPPING \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout this object: \u003cbr\u003eA bold Yaka mask carved with an elongated, domed forehead and a distinctive twisted rope-like headband running across the brow, its interlaced texture giving the impression of woven fiber or cord rendered in wood. Below, narrow slit eyes flank a strong, ridged nose that projects prominently down the center of the face. The most striking feature is the pair of cylindrical, tube-like projections at the cheeks — hollow, rounded forms that extend outward from the face, a bold sculptural device characteristic of this masking tradition. Remnants of natural fiber are still visible at the chin\/mouth area, hinting at an original beard or fringe attachment now only partially intact. The surface carries a deep, well-worn patina throughout, with lighter exposed wood visible at the crown — the result of long-term surface wear, handling, and environmental exposure over the mask's working life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition notes (disclosed for transparency):\u003cbr\u003eA notable area of surface\/patina loss is visible at the top of the head, where the outer wood layer has worn away to reveal lighter wood beneath — consistent with age, handling, and sun\/weather exposure typical of a mask that saw genuine ceremonial use.\u003cbr\u003eFiber elements at the chin are fragmentary, with only partial remnants of what was likely a fuller beard or fringe attachment.\u003cbr\u003eGeneral surface wear, minor surface abrasions, and pigment fading are present throughout, all consistent with authentic age and use rather than damage from mishandling.\u003cbr\u003eNo structural cracks or losses affecting the mask's overall stability.","brand":"\u0026 Other Stories","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48135313785058,"sku":"ALB-MAS-051","price":340.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0825\/2201\/3922\/files\/40008f8b-a268-48f1-a2c3-2b69cadf9968.jpg?v=1785888781","url":"https:\/\/www.alobalo.shop\/products\/very-old-yaka-ceremonial-mask-dr-congo-african-tribal-art","provider":"Alobalo ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}