This is the rating and price for 19Th C. African Lega Shell & Fiber Masks (Pr), 1965

Description : Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. This is a wonderful pair of Bwami ceremonial masks made from a turtle shell and raffia tassels. The naturally domed exterior of the shell is the outward face, carved and incised with stylized faces that have slitted eyes, thick lids, broad noses, and an ovoid open mouth. The nasolabial lines are decorated with linear marks that represent ritualistic scarification or tattoos. The perimeters of both masks are pierced and threaded with a mane of brown vegetal cords, and the verso contains a suspension wire for wearing and/or displaying the masks. Turtles and tortoises are admired for their deliberate and slow-paced movements, symbolizing the wise elders of the tribes. Clan members and inductees during Bwami initiation rites, inductees will wear masks of the animals they wish to gain attributes from. Size: 12.5 L x 12 W (31.8 cm x 30.5 cm) Several states and countries prohibit the importation of materials from endangered species, including tortoise shell / sea turtle shell. Please check your country's laws before bidding on this piece. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1973. Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado, USA collection, ex-Martin Boxer collection, ex-Komor Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, circa 1965 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. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #160629
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