Helmet mask - Suku - DR Congo
06
days
21
hours
17
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Helmet mask in wood from the Suku people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, dating to the late 20th century, with a white kaolin face, a prominent brow, and a raffia collar; Provenance: former private German collection; dimensions 40 cm high, 22 cm wide, 22 cm deep, weight 800 g; good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
wooden helmet mask from the Suku tribe of DR Congo.
Worn during male initiation ceremonies, masks like these represented all departed ancestors. Mourning songs were sung during the ritual; the vertical lines on the face are tears. Neighbors of the Yaka, Suku masks are more conservative in their facial treatments. Although styles vary, there is usually a massive collar of raffia and often a figure or animal on the top of the mask.
This rare mask is wonderful in its proportions and colouring, it provides a beautiful contrast with the white kaolin face, the typical overhanging brows lend this ethereal face beauty and melancholy.
The mask is in a good condition with a beautiful aged patina with traces of tribal use. Total length with raphia: 80 cm
Provenance: former private German collection.
Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
wooden helmet mask from the Suku tribe of DR Congo.
Worn during male initiation ceremonies, masks like these represented all departed ancestors. Mourning songs were sung during the ritual; the vertical lines on the face are tears. Neighbors of the Yaka, Suku masks are more conservative in their facial treatments. Although styles vary, there is usually a massive collar of raffia and often a figure or animal on the top of the mask.
This rare mask is wonderful in its proportions and colouring, it provides a beautiful contrast with the white kaolin face, the typical overhanging brows lend this ethereal face beauty and melancholy.
The mask is in a good condition with a beautiful aged patina with traces of tribal use. Total length with raphia: 80 cm
Provenance: former private German collection.
Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Suku
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Helmet mask
Height
40 cm
Width
22 cm
Depth
22 cm
Weight
800 g
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