Description:

Africa, Sierra Leone, 20th century CE. This is an ornate and colorful wood-carved festival head mask, topped by a crest with cloth attachments designed to conceal the wearer. This mask embodies the joy of 20th century masks -- the bright colors and use of found materials that were previously unavailable! The Temne people are the largest ethnic group today in Sierra Leone, and their traditional culture revolves around chiefdoms and secret societies that men and women (separately) are inducted into after puberty. Masks are used as part of the rites of moving up the social hierarchy and becoming part of the secret societies to manifest the spirits who guide individuals through these processes. Size: 57.2" H (145.3 cm)

See Masks from West and Central Africa: A Celebration of Color and Form

Provenance: Ex- New York Gallery, Paul and Mary Sue Rosen Collection (Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2013). Tijou, California, acquired 1960s and prior, by descent to her granddaughter 1970s.

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#113498

  • Condition: Expected wear and slight fraying to the fabric. Colors very bright!

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May 12, 2016 8:00 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