Helmet Mask – Wood – Suku – Congo DRC

Unique large wooden mask from the Suku tribe of DR Congo.
Worn during male initiation ceremonies, masks like these represented all departed ancestors. Mourning songs were sung during the ritual; the vertical lines on the face are tears. Neighbors of the Yaka, Suku masks are more conservative in their facial treatments. Although styles vary, there is usually a massive collar of raffia and often a figure or animal on the top of the mask.
This rare mask is wonderful in its proportions and colouring, the dark yellow and blue colour of the tribal figure provides a beautiful contrast with the white kaolin face, the typical overhanging brows lend this ethereal face beauty and melancholy.
The mask is in a good condition with a beautiful aged patina with traces of tribal use.