Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A miniature carved wooden mask adorned with a raffia beard and painted with black and white kaolin clay. The mask features simple facial details, including incised scarification lines on the chin, pierced suspension holes along the edges, and the verso includes a vertical handle. Masks like this played a central role in the Bwami society, a semisecret religious and moral organization. These masks served as visual aids, helping members recall proverbs, stories, and ancestral teachings. Their significance was further expressed through songs, dances, and proverbs during initiation rites and ceremonial displays. The compact size of this mask reflects its portability, ensuring it could be easily moved and utilized in various rituals. Size w/ beard: 16" L x 3.5" W (40.6 cm x 8.9 cm); only wood mask: 7" L x 3.5" W (17.8 cm x 8.9 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Bruce Burt collection; ex-private New York, USA collection

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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#190293

  • Condition: Intact and great condition.

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American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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December 13, 2024 8:00 AM MST
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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000