Description : West Africa, Northern Nigeria, Mama peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wood mangam mask that evokes an abstract cow form with flat horns and a downward pointing snout. This piece has a concave dome that fits onto the wearers forehead - the front features the flat, projecting horns, that curve upward and in, and the lower part of the dome has two protruding tabs that form the snout and jaws of the cow. This mask is highly abstract, and only the horns give the viewer an idea of the animal portrayed. Mangam masks typically represent the bushcow also known as the forest buffalo (Suncerus caffer nanus) and are worn to promote healing, agricultural fertility, and rites of passage. Size: 15 L x 9.75 W (38.1 cm x 24.8 cm)
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, purchased from a private Fort Worth, Texas, USA collection in 2011
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#162913
Price: 0.00 USDIt's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 1800 USD-2700 USDIt's free to register now to view!
About the lot N° 144 Title : 20Th C. African Mama Wood Mangam Bushcow Mask Condition report : Repaired with left horn reattached and right horn tip reattached. Visible break lines with traces of adhesive residue. Stable pressure cracks and surface abrasions. Nice patina and modern wire for suspension. Artemis Gallery, auctioneer, Louisville, USIt's free to register now to view! Sale title : Fine Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic Art Sale date : 08 Apr 2021It's free to register now to view! Sale Reference : Live Sale