Featured Another Mask I am unable to ID

Hi all, looking for your help again identifying a mask.. I got this at the same time as I got a Panu mask and there are some similarities in the style (the pigment and the serene expression) but I haven't been able to find anything quite like this. Maybe it is just a tourist piece that does not conform to any style?

 

Most probably another pastiche made for sale. I suspect it is made by a West African carver - the shape of the face and the "serene" expression suggest Baule style, but it seems to incorporate elements from Congo nkisi, such as the white inlaid eyes and the compartment for "medicine" (usually placed on the chest of a full nkisi figure).


https://www.auction.fr/_en/lot/beautiful-power-figure-nkisi-d-r-congo-bakongo-yombe-vili-10808715

 

i concur........&....that's a nice mask !!!

 

Thanks again both!! Have just been googling Nkisi masks and they're super interesting but also quite terrifying!! The second one is pretty close to mine

 

How was the second mask atttributed? It might be Vili, from the Congo region. According to Bacquart ("The Tribal Arts of Africa"), "Vili artists carved figures with naturalistic features, often carrying mirrors, Nkisi or nails". Nkisi refers to the medicine enclosed in packets and receptacles on the figures. Nkondi refers to the full standing figures empowered with nkisi. I am less familiar with masks displaying the same features.

 

That certainly sounds like it, there is a mirror inlaid into the forehead apparently though it is hard to see in the photo. The description says Bakongo:

https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/6641547-nkisi-mask-bakongo-d-r-congo