Description:

West Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Bissagos Islands, Bidjago (Bissago) culture, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A wooden helmet mask known as a dugn'be (literally "the ox raised in the village"), representing a wild bull, with real bovine horns affixed to the wood. Nylon cords are threaded through the nose and wrapped around the horns, accompanied by palm frond tassels. The nose cords symbolize the wearer’s masculine power and the necessity of taming their wild energy. During ritual dances, the wrapped cords would have been unraveled and used as a leash by other dancers. The mask is worn atop the head, secured with braided palm chin straps, by young male initiates during post-adolescent initiation ceremonies called Manratche. Several types of bull masks are used on the Bissagos Islands, but the white triangle on the brow identifies this one as a dugn'be. Size: 26" L x 8" W x 13.75" H (66 cm x 20.3 cm x 34.9 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, collected in Guinea Bissau in the late 20th century

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#189379

  • Condition: Right glass eye is cracked but held in place. Horns are slightly loose. Staining and flaking to painted pigments, and losses to paint on ears. Signs of wear and surface discoloration and stains.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

October 11, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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