Description:

**Originally Listed At $800**

Western/Central Africa, Cameroon, Grasslands region, Bamileke peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. An intriguing, hand-carved wooden helmet face mask of a rather exaggerated anthropomorphic form with a hollowed interior meant for wear. The face boasts enormous almond-shaped eyes beneath smooth brows, a slender nose with flared nostrils, a gaping mouth with several tab-shaped teeth, and puffy cheeks, all beneath a coiffure delineated with lower lobes surrounding enlarged female genitalia on top. In Cameroon, every village and every town has its own group of ceremonial dancers. These dancers wear masks like this example and perform during all important events and feasts, such as the enthronement of a new 'king' (or chief), the worshipping of ancestors, funerary rituals, and others. Size: 9.75" W x 12.75" H (24.8 cm x 32.4 cm); 18.8" H (47.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private New York, New York, USA collection

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#147740

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to neck line, cheeks, forehead, and top, with light encrustations within some recessed areas, and several stable fissures, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and fine patina throughout.

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April 30, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000