• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

         
Item offered:

Important Old Kuba Helmet Mask
(DR Congo)

Provenance: Ex-Collection Emerson Woelffer


• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Description:

With its significant provenance -- Ex-Collection Emerson Woelffer -- on offer from our personal collection is this outstanding, old helmet mask from the Kuba peoples of the DR Congo. For Woelffer (1914-2003), prominent American Abstract Expressionist artist & educator, African & ethnic art proved to be a lifelong interest. During his lifetime, he amassed a considerable private collection of primitive works.

A sizable mask, the cheeks are accentuated with multiple rows of raised & incised scarifications. The hair is plaited handsomely on the back of the head, plus an incised horn-like configuration flows across the forehead & behind the ears. The open mouth with its filed teeth lends a heightened aggressive attitude to the mask's appearance. Although the piece doesn't conform to a more typical iteration of the renowned Bwoom masks, we suspect it may in fact be a rare & unusual variant of that style.

Despite a few imperfections in the wood, including evidence of old insect damage (arrested) & repair to the jaw (stable), this imposing mask is in good overall condition, & would make a superb addition to any serious ethnographic collection. Superb patina. Powerful display.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Materials:
wood

Approximate dimensions:
9" H x 9" W x 12" D

Estimated age:
early-to-mid 20th century

Total shipping weight:
ca. 6-lbs.
Stand not included - used for
display purposes only.

All sales final.


 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

All items carefully packed & shipped after payment received & cleared via PayPal. Unless otherwise specified in the item description, shipping to the U.S. will generally be via USPS Priority Mail, USPS Parcel Post, or UPS. Expedited shipping upgrade is available & optional. Will ship worldwide, with international shipping rates to be determined by buyer's location. Insurance optional/additional. Seller not responsible for any damages incurred during shipping nor for any Customs-related fees for non-U.S. shipments.
price:
USD $3600.00
+ shipping
Purchase Inquiry
Inquiries / Contact us
Galleria Primitiva
Inquiries / Contact us
Galleria Primitiva ~ Galleria Moderna
Inquiries / Contact us
All content © copyright protected
________________________

Materials:
wood
Approximate dimensions:
9" H x 9" W x 12" D
Estimated age:
early-to-mid 20th century
Total shipping weight:
ca. 6-lbs.
________________________