ITURI MASKS, DRC

ITURI Mask 12 14.5" high $1500

The Ituri mask above has been vetted as authentic with signs of use and age.

ITURI Mask 13 11" high $600

ITURI Mask 14 10" - 25" high $800

The two Ituri masks above have been vetted as authentic.

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ITURI STYLE MASKS, DRC

Despite their appearance, the masks below show no evidence of use or age and were probably made to be sold.

ITURI STYLE Mask 3 12-17" high $300

ITURI STYLE Mask 4 11-15" high $250

ITURI STYLE Mask 7 9-20" high $300

The Ituri masks below have been sold and are left here for reference and educational purposes.

ITURI Mask 10 9.5" - 20" high SOLD

ITURI Mask 11 9.5" -18.5" high SOLD

ITURI Mask 9 10" - 21" high SOLD

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ITURI STYLE Mask 2 10-14" high SOLD

ITURI STYLE Mask 6 9-17" high SOLD

ITURI STYLE Mask 15 11-18" high SOLD

Photographs © Tim Hamill

ITURI, MASKS, DRC

People, including the Mbuti and Ndaka, of the Ituri rain forest use masks representing ancestor spirits in elaborate initiation ceremonies.

The masks utilize painted design elements on their surfaces that have long been associated with the better-known painted bark-cloth textiles of the Mbuti. A single pattern is usually repeated over the entire surface. Utilized in the context of a boy's initiation, these powerful masks are at once attractive and aggressive.

The measurements are the height of the mask, then the height of the mask plus raffia. All are wired for hanging.