Description:

African, Liberia, We-Wobe culture, mid-20th century. Living in along the western edge of the Ivory Coast, the We people are in fact two separate tribes, the Gere also known as the Ngere and the Wobe. Although they are separate tribes, the two peoples are often referred to as the We, whose name means "men who easily forgive." According to Africanist Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, We carvers focused on sculpting powerful face masks to which paraphernalia such as shells, bells, nails and feathers were added which were thought to reinforce the power of the masks. This mask possesses features influenced by both the Gere and Wobe masks. The triangular face with open mouth and domed forehead are characteristics of Gere masks; while the enlarged lips are consistent with Wobe masks. It is opulently adorned with a "headband" of cowrie shells, as well as strands of beads, yarn-like fibers, and ten sonorous bells at the neck. According to Bacquart, these masks are worn by dancers during funerals and can also serve as "detective" masks to single out guilty persons. 11"H x 11"W x 4 3/4"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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Nearly invisible repair to underside of lower lip. One cowrie shell missing. Else intact and excellent.

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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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