Purchased by me some time ago with a price tag attached reading "£165.00 Mambella Mask from Zaire".  I have traced its recent background to the United States and to an auction held in December 2019, the seller being located in Berkeley, California.  Further research indicates that it is not Mambella but a Yombe Bakongo mask from the Congo - see photos of a similar mask being worn.  Price wise, a Yombe Bakongo Face Mask is listed on eBay at £550.00.  This piece is made of solid wood in excellent condition.  Measures approx. 38cm in height, 25cm in front width ear to ear and has a depth of approx 15cm.  Weight approx 700 grams. The craftsmanship and design of the mask embodies the traditional African culture and is a perfect addition to any ethnographic antique collection.  This original piece is not a repro and showcases the authenticity of the African culture. The African Yombe Bakongo wooden mask has been well-preserved and maintained, making it an ideal collector's item.

Kongo Yombe Mask
The Yombe mask was used by the nganga, a priest-diviner. A mediator mask, also present in initiatory processes, it was also used by the fetish priest during healing rituals. At the same time, it could be used to identify individuals who, through their actions, could disrupt the harmony of the community. In the 13th century, the Kongo people, led by their king Ne Kongo, settled in a region at the crossroads of the borders between the current DRC, Angola and Gabon. Two centuries later, the Portuguese came into contact with the Kongo and converted their king to Christianity. Although monarchical, the Kongo political system had a democratic aspect because the king was actually placed at the head of the kingdom following an election held by a council of tribal governors. This king, also called ntotela.