Great Mask Kakuungu - Suku - DR Congo
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 550 - € 650
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Description from the seller
The Kakuungu mask of the Suku, a people established in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, constitutes one of the most striking expressions of Central African ritual sculpture.
Associated with initiation ceremonies, it is distinguished by a monumental construction where the hypertrophied volumes of the cheeks, the long triangular nose, and half-closed eyelids compose a visage of remarkable expressive intensity.
The use of light pigments, here enhanced with subtle bluish accents around the eyes, heightens the contrast between apparent serenity and symbolic power.
The perfectly balanced proportions, the quality of carving, and the mastery of surfaces confer on this work an exceptional sculptural presence.
The plastic force of the face, combined with a great formal sobriety, eloquently illustrates the aesthetics of Kakuungu masks, of which the finest examples are kept in major museum collections and regularly highlighted by specialists in African art, notably at Christie's.
This mask captivates with its visual impact, the coherence of its composition, and the elegance of its modeling, which make it a work of great artistic quality.
Brought back from the Congo in the 2000s.
Repair to a rear section, see photos.
About our expert house
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A trusted seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without reserve.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packing, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
The Kakuungu mask of the Suku, a people established in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, constitutes one of the most striking expressions of Central African ritual sculpture.
Associated with initiation ceremonies, it is distinguished by a monumental construction where the hypertrophied volumes of the cheeks, the long triangular nose, and half-closed eyelids compose a visage of remarkable expressive intensity.
The use of light pigments, here enhanced with subtle bluish accents around the eyes, heightens the contrast between apparent serenity and symbolic power.
The perfectly balanced proportions, the quality of carving, and the mastery of surfaces confer on this work an exceptional sculptural presence.
The plastic force of the face, combined with a great formal sobriety, eloquently illustrates the aesthetics of Kakuungu masks, of which the finest examples are kept in major museum collections and regularly highlighted by specialists in African art, notably at Christie's.
This mask captivates with its visual impact, the coherence of its composition, and the elegance of its modeling, which make it a work of great artistic quality.
Brought back from the Congo in the 2000s.
Repair to a rear section, see photos.
About our expert house
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A trusted seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without reserve.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packing, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Great Mask Kakuungu
Ethnic group/ culture
Suku
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
73 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
