Description:

West Africa, Ivory Coast, Senufo peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden mask depicting a firespitter (also known as the "funeral head mask" or "Kponyugo") depicting an abstract zoomorphic creature with horns in several areas. The intricate mask is painted with brown pigment to create a darker presentation, and riding atop the larger head is a petite lizard. This mask was perhaps placed atop a larger headdress as the opening behind the larger head is much too small for a human face. Size: 39.25" L x 4.5" W x 4.5" H (99.7 cm x 11.4 cm x 11.4 cm); 10.7" H (27.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1979.206.71.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-M. Best collection, Riverdale, New York, USA

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#183985

  • Condition: Loss to one horn on snout and upper bridge of nose as shown. Repaired with light adhesive residue along break lines. Abrasions and light fading to pigment, otherwise in nice condition. Great preservation to overall form.

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February 22, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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