Description:

**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Burkina Faso, Winiama or Nunuma peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A fantastical iron mask of a convex annular form, surrounded by a cowrie shell border with slit-form mouth eyes and a slender smile. A long, thin strip of leather embroidered with additional cowrie shells begins at the upper lip, rising up between the eyes, and in the middle of 2 leather-wrapped horns. The strip even extends past the top of the head to form a type of strap or handle. A pair of tab-shaped ears with piercings flank the abstract face allowing the vizard to attach to a costume and be worn. Masks represent the spirits of ancestors and the natural world - by carving a physical visage, they can commune with and seek guidance from ancestors to ensure successful harvests; they are typically kept on altars when not in use. Size without leather strap: 9.5" W x 9.5" H (24.1 cm x 24.1 cm); with strap: 9.5" W x 21.75" H (24.1 cm x 55.2 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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.

#179429

  • Condition: Horns can move up and down. Light surface wear as shown, but otherwise intact with rich patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 1, 2024 8:00 AM MST
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