Description:

African, Niger River Delta, Ibibio culture, mid-20th century. Ibibio social life is regulated by Ekon or secret societies that use masks in their annual ceremonies and puppets such as this example to parody village life and satirize prominent members of the community. This puppet shows influences of the Ibibio and likely represents someone of high rank as he is sitting on a stool, shows intricate scarification and neck ornament, dons a fanciful coiffure/helmet, and wields a ceremonial figure in one hand and staff in the other. The puppet is wonderfully animated as the mouth and both arms are articulated. In addition, the eyes and mouth are quite expressive. 29"H x 6"W x 3 7/8"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.

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  • Condition: Normal surface wear. Nice patina. Else intact and excellent.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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