Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo and western Tanzania, Bembe peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A captivating mask of a circular form, hand-carved from hard wood, with a minimalist owl visage composed of round eyes, a petite nose, and a perforated mouth. The eyes are ringed with layers of yellow and red pigment, and the periphery is accentuated with a dense latticework pattern. Four nubbins which surround the mask and a fifth, bulb-shaped upper projection indicate this mask also represents a turtle. Owl masks like this example are hung from tree branches and indicate the path towards the circumcision camp for adolescent boys. Owls are regarded as fierce protectors, so this mask symbolically wards against evil spirits and foul magic. Size: 8.5" W x 11" H (21.6 cm x 27.9 cm).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private lifetime collection of Dr. Saul Tuttman and Dr. Gregory Siskind, New York, New York, USA

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#134895

  • Condition: Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, chipping and fading to pigmentation, small nicks to face, peripheries, and verso, and light roughness across obverse side. Nice earthen deposits and brown patina throughout. Drilled on upper peripheries for suspension.

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September 13, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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