Lot 235: A Yaka diviners slit drum

Yaka, D.R. Congo; H: 15 3/4 inches

Of typical form, the large head with unusual coif over forehead with arching brows and raised swollen eyes. The nose wide and aggressive with barred open mouth, the lower portion in the form of the drum with dark brown variegated patina. On a custom base.

Comments:
Dr. Arthur P. Bourgeois, Expert on the Kwilu-Kwango saw this mask in early October 2013 in person and remarked that the slanting of the headgear matched the slants of the eyes in an unusual manner, and and that this example was fine and authentic and had been traditionally used.

Provenance:
Collected in Congo prior to 1970 by Lawson Mooney, former Director of Catholic Aid Agencies; Dr. Kenneth Adelman, former US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, and one time member of USAID, Zaire, c. 1975; A NY Private collection.

Price Realized: $200

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