People: Suku
DR Congo
H: 19" (With fringe 27")
The bell shaped helmet mask of classical form with large white face with blue markings, eyes well carved and the mouth aggressive and toothy. A handle-shaped device atop the head, possibly representing a stylized animal. Fiber ruff largely intact. On a custom base. Authenticated by Dr. Arthur P. Bourgeois - World authority on Yaka and Suku.
Provenance: Collected in Congo prior to 1970 by Lawson Mooney, former Director of Catholic Aid Agencies; Dr. Kenneth Adelman, former US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, and one time member of USAID, Zaire, c. 1975; A NY Private collection.