Lot 187

Congolese Kuba Wood Helmet Mask of Forest Spirit

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Lot 187
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Congolese Kuba Wood Helmet Mask of Forest Spirit
Congolese Kuba Wood Helmet Mask of Forest Spirit
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Congolese Kuba Wood Helmet Mask of Forest Spirit

Estimate: $200 - $300

Starting Bid: $75

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A painted wood helmet mask richly adorned with glass beads, cowrie shells, raffia cloth, and animal hide. Carved from a single piece of wood, the domed headpiece features a pair of curled horns at the top, recessed lentoid eye slits, a protruding nose, and a circular mouth covered with copper sheeting. Crosshatched cicatrice marks are incised into the brow and highlighted with additional copper panels. The painted surface is decorated with geometric patterns - lines and triangles - in earthen tones. The rim is wrapped in woven raffia cloth, adorned with hanging tassels, cowries, and beadwork that continues up the verso, while a beaded headband crowns the top. A piece of dried goatskin is stretched around the horns, adding to the mask's layered textures and ritual significance.
The horns symbolize male forest spirit with virility and strength, often used in secret initiation rites. Size: 14" Diameter x 10" H (35.6 cm x 25.4 cm)

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection, acquired from Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, New York, USA in 2023; ex-Dr. Arnold R. Saslow, South Orange, New Jersey, USA.

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Item # 193763

  • Condition: Deep pressure crack to the left side of the horn, head and ear, with an attempt of an old repair with plaster. Old inactive insect activity, with holes in the wood and animal skin. Abrasions and nicks to the wood and fading to pigments. Nice patina throughout.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000