Description:

African, Cameroon, Bali culture, mid-20th century. Elephant masks like this example played an important part of ritual dances. Their significance was second only to the leader mask. Worn on top of the head, the elephant mask was danced last, in a bold and stately fashion, appropos to its high rank. The elephant was a royal icon and the masks were owned by lineage groups. The wood used to create this piece shows evidence of wear perhaps from age; however, it was likely created in the mid-twentieth century. Wonderful carving as well as the red-brown and black pigment highlighting the animal's features brings the piece to life. Just imagine how this mask would look when moved to and fro during ceremonial rituals! 33"H x 13"W x 6"D

Provenance: Ex-Robert Pearson collection, Denver, CO

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.

  • Condition: Wood shows signs of wear and bits of loss, perhaps from insect damage or age. Else intact and excellent.

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 21, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000