Description:

Western Africa, Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia, Grebo culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fascinating wooden war mask from the Grebo people of Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire displaying a plank-shaped form with 4 projecting, cylindrical eyes, 2 pointed, beak-like noses, and a short, raffia beard beneath a thick strand of beading, all surmounted by a towering headdress adorned by feathers, an inlaid mirror, blue, red, and white pigments, and beads. The remaining white pigment was often applied to symbolize the ku or spirit, while the mask's tubular and exaggerated expression was intended as a sign of their all-seeing power. Grebo masks like this piece have elements that influenced Cubism and inspired many of Picasso's pieces! Size: 10.8" L x 17" W x 37" H (27.4 cm x 43.2 cm x 94 cm)

Provenance: private Portland, Oregon, USA collection

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#190745

  • Condition: Old repair to headdress. Some fraying and matting to feathers as shown, as well as nicks, chips, and abrasions to surface, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with good remaining pigments. Suspension wire on verso for display.

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January 9, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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