Sukuma Mask — Tanzania — Wood (reddish) with aluminium inlay — H 29 cm (48 cm on stand) - Sukuma - Tanzania
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Current bid
€ 70
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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 Bidder 7488 | €70 | |
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 Bidder 2545 | €65 | |
| Bidder 7488 | €60 | |
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Sukuma Mask from Tanzania in reddish wood with aluminium inlay, 29 cm high (48 cm on the stand), from Sukuma culture, provenance Ex private French collection, 20th century, in good condition with patina and minor wear.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
People/Culture: Sukuma
Region/Country: Tanzania (south of Lake Victoria)
Materials: Reddish wood, aluminium
Dimensions: Height 29 cm; 48 cm on custom metal stand (included)
Provenance: Ex private French collection
Dating: 20th century (first half to mid, by style and wear)
Condition
Honest wear and deep handling patina; stabilised age crack at the crown; carry/perforation hole at the top (and traditional fixing holes); aluminium inlays at the eyes and around mouth/chin with minor dents and small losses; minor nicks/abrasions overall. Very good condition for age — see photos.
Description
A rare, finely carved Sukuma mask with a strong, almost expressionist presence. The well-balanced face shows round eye apertures edged with aluminium, a motif echoed on the open mouth and chin; the upper teeth are rendered by small indentations in the metal, giving brilliance and volume to the features. Carved ears are clearly defined. The head is topped by a flattened coiffure/plateau with a central perforation, and the reddish wood displays a rich, old patina that enhances the sculptural planes and confirms ceremonial use.
Context
The Sukuma, Tanzania’s largest ethnic group, live around Mwanza and south of Lake Victoria, historically related to the Nyamwezi. During the dry season, initiation and association performances presented masks of this quality to promote prosperity and social cohesion, and to counterbalance chiefly divination/healing powers.
Highlights
- Rare, well-balanced Sukuma mask with aluminium inlays (eyes, mouth, chin)
- Reddish wood with deep patina; crown crack stabilised; perforation/attachment hole at the top
- Custom metal stand included
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
People/Culture: Sukuma
Region/Country: Tanzania (south of Lake Victoria)
Materials: Reddish wood, aluminium
Dimensions: Height 29 cm; 48 cm on custom metal stand (included)
Provenance: Ex private French collection
Dating: 20th century (first half to mid, by style and wear)
Condition
Honest wear and deep handling patina; stabilised age crack at the crown; carry/perforation hole at the top (and traditional fixing holes); aluminium inlays at the eyes and around mouth/chin with minor dents and small losses; minor nicks/abrasions overall. Very good condition for age — see photos.
Description
A rare, finely carved Sukuma mask with a strong, almost expressionist presence. The well-balanced face shows round eye apertures edged with aluminium, a motif echoed on the open mouth and chin; the upper teeth are rendered by small indentations in the metal, giving brilliance and volume to the features. Carved ears are clearly defined. The head is topped by a flattened coiffure/plateau with a central perforation, and the reddish wood displays a rich, old patina that enhances the sculptural planes and confirms ceremonial use.
Context
The Sukuma, Tanzania’s largest ethnic group, live around Mwanza and south of Lake Victoria, historically related to the Nyamwezi. During the dry season, initiation and association performances presented masks of this quality to promote prosperity and social cohesion, and to counterbalance chiefly divination/healing powers.
Highlights
- Rare, well-balanced Sukuma mask with aluminium inlays (eyes, mouth, chin)
- Reddish wood with deep patina; crown crack stabilised; perforation/attachment hole at the top
- Custom metal stand included
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Sukuma
Country of Origin
Tanzania
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Sukuma Mask — Tanzania — Wood (reddish) with aluminium inlay — H 29 cm (48 cm on stand)
Height
29 cm
Sold by
