{"product_id":"suku-helmet-mask-with-raffia-collar","title":"Suku Helmet Mask with Raffia Collar","description":"\u003cp\u003eDR Congo, early–mid 20th century AD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowerful wooden helmet mask carved with an oval face, slit eyes under arched lids, slender triangular nose, and small puckered mouth, flanked by projecting circular ears. The domed coiffure rises to a central crest, and the lower edge retains its dense natural raffia fiber collar, giving the mask impressive volume in performance. Traces of white kaolin and dark pigment remain on the surface, emphasizing the mask’s calm, introspective expression typical of Suku initiation “hemba” masks used in male initiation rites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: approx. 25 in (63.5 cm) high including raffia and modern lucite base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Age‑appropriate wear with abrasions, pigment losses, minor chips and small losses to the wood and raffia; old soiling and handling patina inside the helmet, with residual attachment elements visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Private collection, Palm Beach, Florida.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45350491160890,"sku":"11415","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/11415aa.jpg?v=1687819852","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/suku-helmet-mask-with-raffia-collar","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}