Jan 10, 2024 10:00 EST
Doyle at Home®
217
Suki Wood and Raffia Kakungu Initiation Mask
Democratic Republic of Congo
Estate / Collection: An Important Private Collection from a Prominent Southern Family
Height 35 inches.
This large face with deformed features endered to terrorize the viewer.
According to Anne-Marie Bouttiaux, gigantic masks such as the work presented were "principally utilized in initiation contexts by the charm specialist (yisidika) to insure the well-being of those coming to manhood. Commonly called kakungu, such masks customarily appeared on the day of circumcision, the day of departure from the initiation camp, and occasionally for the breaking of food restrictions. Its appearance served to frighten young candidates into obedience and respect for their elders, and to threaten any person secretly harboring evil intentions against one of the initiates." (Masterpieces from Central Africa, Royal Museum Tervuren, 1996, p. 155)
Sold for $384
Estimated at $300 - $500
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: An Important Private Collection from a Prominent Southern Family
Height 35 inches.
This large face with deformed features endered to terrorize the viewer.
According to Anne-Marie Bouttiaux, gigantic masks such as the work presented were "principally utilized in initiation contexts by the charm specialist (yisidika) to insure the well-being of those coming to manhood. Commonly called kakungu, such masks customarily appeared on the day of circumcision, the day of departure from the initiation camp, and occasionally for the breaking of food restrictions. Its appearance served to frighten young candidates into obedience and respect for their elders, and to threaten any person secretly harboring evil intentions against one of the initiates." (Masterpieces from Central Africa, Royal Museum Tervuren, 1996, p. 155)
Auction: Doyle at Home®, Jan 10, 2024
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Doyle at Home® Auction on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 10am
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Furniture, Decorations & Artwork from Prominent Collections & Estates
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Including Property from the Collection of Fashion Designer Mary McFadden
NEW YORK, NY -- The Doyle at Home auctions attract thousands of savvy, sophisticated buyers with an endless diversity of stylish furniture and decorations from prominent estates and collections. The wide range of offerings include furniture, silver, porcelain, art glass, lamps, chandeliers and rugs for every room in your home. Discover why Doyle at Home is the go-to resource for savvy collectors, influencers and leading designers across the country!
The Collection of Mary McFadden
Featured in the sale was property from the Collection of Fashion Designer Mary McFadden. This remarkable collection included a rich diversity of furniture, paintings, ceramics, bronzes and other objects from China, Japan and other regions. View Lots
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
For information, please contact:
Furniture & Decorations: 212-427-4141, ext 243, Furniture@Doyle.com
Art: 212-427-4141, ext 249, Paintings@Doyle.com
