Lot 262: A rare Bena Lulua helmet mask

Bena Lulua, D.R. Congo; H: 13"

The mask with large ocular plane bisected by the nasal ridge, the mouth small and with pursed lips beneath the small nose. The mask with linear painted patterns and designs all over the surface. Fine example and very rare. On a custom base

Comments:
I had originally seen this mask nearly twenty years ago, and at the time it was covered with a heavy red impasto. The owner decided to have the mask professionally cleaned and the impasto was carefully peeled away revealing layers of older bright coloration beneath.

Provenance:
Property of a New York private collector

Price Realized: $1,500

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