This is the rating and price for Early 20Th C. African Wood Male Mask - Fang / Betsi

Description : Africa, Gabon, Fang, Betsi subgroup, ca. early 20th century CE. A finely carved mask depicting a tranquil visage with slatted almond-shaped eyes, arched brows, a prominent nose, and pursed lips on a concave facial plane - all surrounded by an abstract zigzagged coiffure or headdress with a striped band around the cheeks and a goatee like motif just under the chin. The piece is adorned by red and white pigment. For the Fang, the color white was associated with the spirits of the deceased. White kaolin was also used by healers during medical procedures. Hence this mask may relate to these practices or the ancestral realm. The male aspect suggests potential associations with male initiation rites as well. Size: 7.75 W x 11.5 H (19.7 cm x 29.2 cm), 14.375 H (36.5 cm) on included custom stand. See a similar example at the Brooklyn Museum, New York (2011.4.6). According to the curatorial team at the Brooklyn Museum, Little is known about the functions of masks such as this one, since they fell out of use by 1910. It is thought that they might have had a role in boys’ initiations into adulthood. ( Provenance: private Eason Eige collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA 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. #131674
Price: 840.38 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 600 USD-900 USD It's free to register now to view!

Details