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Classic Suku Decorative Face Mask 19″ – DR Congo – African Art

Original price was: $275.00.Current price is: $192.50.

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SKU: 1018334 Categories: ,
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This mask was carved in the style of the Suku people of DRC. The mask was carved with typical puffy cheeks and elongated face. It measures 19 inches tall and weighs 4 pounds. There is noticable cracking and chipping along the back and scuffing and general wear and tear throughout – please inspect photos. Stand not included but one can be added for an additional charge.

Type of Object

Face Mask

Country of Origin

DR Congo

Ethnicity

Suku

Material

Wood, Pigment

Approximate Age

Unknown

Height (Inches)

19"

Width (Inches)

9"

Depth (Inches)

7"

Weight (Pounds)

4 lbs

Overall Condition

Some cracking, scuffing and general wear and tear throughout.

Tribe Information

About the Suku People

“The 80,000 Suku people lived in the south-western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) since the 16th century. With the arrical of the Yaka and the Lunda intheir territory, they were split into two autonomous groups. Their main econoomix resource is farming, but occasionally communal hunts are organized. Stylistically, their sculptures are characterized by an enlarged head with an almond-shaped mouth with incised teeth, a triangular nose and coffee-bean eyes, all set under an elaborate coiffure. The Suku carved large figures, which were used during fertility ceremonies, and crouching fetish figures to which paraphernalia were attached. These were used either as ancestor figures or as the personification of evil spirits.”

Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print

Additional Information

About Suku Masks

“Large face masks and helmet masks surmounted by animal or human figures were worn by dancers during certain initiation ceremonies.”