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is a type of helmet worn by ancient Japanese warriors,
samurai . . . who basically ruled Japan for over 600 years. Yes, they protected warriors but there was a psychological factor: power and might. The higher the Samurai rank the more…
Continue reading → - Item Number: O-4446
- Provenance/Origin: Vintage. 1940s. Brought back by US Officer shortly after WWII
- Composition: Bronze
- Dimensions: 8.5" tall X 9"at widest X 6.25" deep
- Weight: 3.25 pounds with cushion
- Price: $ 225.00 USD
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One of the most complex and intriguing Suku mask that I have every seen! The Suku (aka Basuku) are people from SW Congo and Northwest Angola. They speak a derivation of the Bantu language of the Niger-Congo group of languages. Suku women cultivate a root vegetable…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-1227
- Provenance/Origin: Suku peoples. DRC. Mid-1990s
- Composition: Wood, pigment, paint, vegetal fiber, cloth
- Dimensions: Figure & Helmet: 17" tall; Total with vegetal fiber: 24" tall; Width at horns: 16"
- Weight: 8 pounds with stand
- Price: $ 890.00 USD
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Look at the dynamic carvings of this helmet mask. The high and bulging forehead is quite normal for this ethnic group. But the depth and symbolism of the carvings is quite extraordinary. I have spent some time in trying to determine the significance of this…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-8069
- Provenance/Origin: Congo. Circa mid-1900s
- Composition: Wood and Cord
- Dimensions: 15" tall x 9" wide x 8" deep
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Price: $ 265.00 USD
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One of the three known royal masks, the helmet Bwoom is one of the oldest mask types used by the Kuba. These were introduced in the 17th Century by King Miko mi-Mbul. Most often used in funerals, they are also used…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-5805
- Provenance/Origin: Kuba peoples. DRC. Circa mid-1900s
- Composition: Wood. Twine and fabric.
- Dimensions: 15" tall x 14" at widest x 16" deep
- Weight: 7.5 pounds (mask alone)
- Price: $ 835.00 USD
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Suku people have lived in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formally Zaire) since the 16th Century. Their economic source is farming but occasionally join in communal hunts. Suku’s are known for their large carved figures (e.g. fertility figures, crouching fetish figures, ancestral statues…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-1006
- Provenance/Origin: Suku People initiation mask. Circa 1970s
- Composition: Wood, pigment
- Dimensions: 12" tall x 9" wide x 13.5" deep
- Weight: 2.25 pounds
- Price: $ 575.00 USD
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Suku people have lived in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formally Zaire) since the 16th Century. Their economic source is farming but occasionally join in communal hunts. Suku’s are known for their large carved figures (e.g. fertility figures, crouching fetish figures, ancestral statues…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-7086
- Provenance/Origin: Suku People initiation mask. 1960-1970s or earlier.
- Composition: Wood, pigment, grasses/raffia
- Dimensions: 11" tall x 9" widest x 12" deep
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Price: $ 685.00 USD
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Found in Yorubaland (southern Nigeria), this helmet mask represents Sango a royal ancestor of the Yoruba (the third king of the Oyo Kingdom). Facial “Pele” markings on the checks. This is probably a ceremonial mask. Carved from one piece of wood, the incrusted patina and distinctive features put this mask…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-8687
- Provenance/Origin: Nigeria Africa. Circa mid-1900's
- Composition: Wood
- Dimensions: 7.5" tall x 12" long x 8" wide
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Price: $690.00 USD
