Description:

West Africa, Liberia, Bassa people, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fine example of a dark wooden mask in the classic Bassa style, with the face so deeply set from the brow that it appears almost inverted, the eyes sunken back into the head while the mouth and chin project outwards. Three wide lines of large cowrie shells form white "hair" around the hairline. The mouth has two teeth made from found objects, what appear to be metal tabs, possibly from a can; these hang down over the wide lower lip. Perforations around the edges would have been used to attach raffia, feathers, or other decorative elements to the mask, which was probably worn as a helmet. Liberian dancers often wear intricately carved masks like this one during ritual dance performances, the masks thought to channel spirits whom they were carved to represent. Size: 7" W x 8.25" H (17.8 cm x 21 cm)

Provenance: late Allen Davis collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#124880

  • Condition: Stable age crack on chin. Dark, smooth patina on surface from age and handling. Several of the perforations on the sides for attachment have been worn open.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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