Suku OLD 39" Kakungu Antique Africa Mask w Wear Congo Exquisite Pale Pigment, Priv Coll, Extensive AGE w/ USE Start Price USD 1,495.00 Current Price USD 1,495.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, November 27, 2008 End Time Thursday, December 18, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Suku OLD 39" Kakungu Antique Africa Mask w Wear Congo' Description   An Impressive 39" Suku KAKUNGU Circumcision MaskAntique African Tribal Initiation Masque Congo Zaire     An Impresisve Old Suku KAKUNGU Circumcision Initiation Ritual MaskAntique African Masque Tribal Sculpture Congo Zaire Collected from the: Suku peoples of the south-western part of ZaireMaterial: Hardwood, pigmentsPeriod: Earliest 20th centuryDimensions: 39" height, 15.75" width, 9" depth; weight is a full 20 pounds Condition: Excellent - small portion of the lower left rim and two small areas of the uppermost top back rim vanished decades ago considering the patination present; age cracks test stable, good signs of wear, age and use. Subtle two toned pale pink/peach (flesh toned) pigment augmented by gorgeous patina with beautiful natural wood highlights along the high points of the facial features - sublime! Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this outstanding old piece! And be sure to see the fascinating AFRICAN MASKS in our eBay store! Or explore our stunning AFRICAN SCULPTURES ! Click Images to Enlarge Suku Initiation Mask Traditions Sasser notes: "The Suku mask from Zaire is called kakungu, it appears at the circumcision ritual and the initiation of young boys. Painted a dark reddish brown, the mask is held by a grip under the chin and is typically surrounded by thick raffia. One of the largest African masks, sometimes five feet in height, the suku has inflated cheeks, bulging forehead, and a projecting lump of a chin. An object of terror, it is regarded as a protection against witches that might enter the initiation camp and harm the young candidates. The mask has another remarkable attribute; it is believed to be able to jump enormous distances, leaping over huts or into the midst of the forest." See The World of Spirits and Ancestors for further details. Suku Tribal History "The 80,000 Suku people have lived in the south-western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) since the 16th century. With the arrival of the Yaka and the Lunda in their territory, they were split into two autonomous groups. Their main economic resource is farming, but occasionally communal hunts are organized. Stylistically, their sculptures are characterized by an enlarged head with an almond-shaped mouth with incised teeth, a triangular nose and coffee-bean eyes, all set under an elaborate coiffure. Large face masks and helmet masks surmounted by animal or human figures were worn by dancers during certain initiation ceremonies." according to Bacquart. 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