Description:

Eastern Africa, Tanzania and Mozambique, Makonde peoples, 2nd half of the 20th century CE. A darkened wood mask with a skillfully carved face presenting dramatic features such as a jutting chin, large eyes highlighted with red pigment, jagged teeth, and round ears. A rough-carved area on the top, with some attached hair (probably human), defined by the hair line. The human hair is a fine touch, not always added to 20th century versions of these masks. Comes with custom stand. Size: 9" L x 5" W x 10" H (22.9 cm x 12.7 cm x 25.4 cm)

The Makonde people are prolific producers of wooden masks, which are known as Mapiko, and are used in initiation rites; the masks provide a conduit for ancestral spirits, the Lihoka. The dancers wear the masks atop their head tiled back so they can see out of the mouth; dancers are always men, while the audience often consists of women and children.

Provenance: Ex-Private Boulder, CO collection acquired at Indochine Gallery

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#117837

  • Condition: Nice patina. Surface wear with slight scratching as shown. Expected losses to hair, though much remains.

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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