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LOT 2378
African Wooden Ceremonial Crocodile Face Mask
BOBO TRIBE, MID-LATE 20TH CENTURY A.D.
13 in. (870 grams, face long: 33 cm).
A simplified crocodile head, painted red and black, rough shaped eyes and pegged teeth. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Mali, West Africa.
From the estate of a West Sussex, UK, collector.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The masks symbolize animals or spirits and are worn during ceremonies associated with new crops, initiations and funerals. Ones with an interior cavity too small for a human head are carried on the top corner of a rectangular, tent like costume.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Dan Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A carved face mask, decorated with cowrie shells, fabric and bells. 547 grams, 29 cm
From Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa. From an old Hampshire ethnographic collection; acquired prior to 1960. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
African Bronze Leopard Figure Pair
Edo Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Two lost wax bronze cast decorated standing leopards. 943 grams total, 13.4-13.5 cm wide
From Benin. From the late Brian Morley collection, 1950s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The leopard is a motif that occurs throughout many of the Benin Bronzes as it is the animal who symbolises both the Oba (king) and justice. -
Central African Brass Smoking Pipe Bowl
Early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
Comprising an elongated bowl with rounded rim and bands of integral geometric ornament to the sidewall, drum-shaped foot, angled hoe to accept the drawing pipe. 336 grams, 88 mm
From Cameroon, Cental Africa. From an old Dorset, UK, specialist collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Cameroon had by far the most elaborate smoking culture in Africa and the tobacco pipe was a highly respected item, both as a daily commodity and as an object with solemn ceremonial function.
