Lot 183: A fine and unusual Nkanu mask

People: Nkanu
DR Congo
H: 16" (wood mask); 27" attachments and coif
Of powerful form, the mask with large flat brow over deeply carved eyes, and huge rounded cheeks, the nose small and wedge shaped and the mouth toothy. Fiber ruff still intact and coif in overall good condition. On a custom base. Authenticated by Dr. Arthur P. Bourgeois - World authority on the peoples of the Kwilu-Kwango.

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.

Price Realized: $950

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