Dimensions: 71 cm high.
Very nice Yaka Suku mask carved from wood with Raffia beard.
From a Belgian private collection.
Mr. Tabala is a passionate collector of African art who collected these objects between 1983 and the nineties. He traveled to many regions of Congo and Tanzania.
This Suku mask is dated mid 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
This extraordinary mask was used by Yaka and Suku peoples of south-western Congo in the mid of the 20th century. Both cultures share an institution called mukanda, which is concerned with the circumcision and initiation of young men. Kakungu, the 'red giant', played an important role during this male initiation. The Yaka and Suku consider kakungu as their oldest and most powerful mask.
The basic painted colors are red. Made of a soft wood called mungela (alstonia congensis or ricinodendron), the mask generally was worn surrounded by a full-length fringe of palm leaf stripes called futi or kindua. Kakungu masks were exclusively owned and worn by the charm specialist of the initiation camp called isidika (or kisidika among the Suku), as one of the many tools employed by him to ensure the well-being of the boys during this transitory period in their life. Kakungu performers also wore a specific outfit, the ndaka zi kakungu, made from pieces of antelope skin along with various objects such as bells and cut pieces of gourd; and consecrated the mask through the sacrifice of a goat. A kakungu mask was considered well made when it could instill fear in people at first glance, whether it was seen from afar or close.
Our Africa-gallery specialized in Ethiopian tribal art, collected and sell tribal used art from all over Africa and special from Ethiopia.
Our Gallery have a collection of authentic, original and traditional art from Africa. This collection including masks, statues, pottery, musical instruments, manuscripts, headrests and other antique, primitive art and various unusual items.
I hardly ever buy direct from Africa. All my items that I sell are old and (tribal) used. My objects come from European and American private collections, auction houses, fellow dealers and other collectors from around the world.
This site gives you an impression of our stock and activities. Authentic, museum quality African tribal art at wholesale prices
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High quality masks, carvings, statues, fetishes, animal figures, ritual objects and bronzes displayed here will add beauty to any home and value to any collection.
In addition, an ever-growing demand for rapidly disappearing original African tribal art makes it a sound investment.
As long-time experienced collectors, we carefully select and authenticate every artifact. Shown here are original, high quality, hand-crafted pieces made of wood or bronze which can be yours at a fraction of gallery prices! Years of traditional use added distinction to many of them.
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