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LOT 2382
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
ASHANTI TRIBE, 20TH CENTURY A.D.
18 3/4 in. (484 grams, 47.5 cm).
A carved tribal mask with copper to the face and back of the head, a single horn to the top of the head and stylised legs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Ghana, West Africa.
From an old Surrey, UK, oriental and ethnographical collection; acquired during 1950s.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Kamba Tribe, mid-late 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Hollow to the reverse, with reserved hoops around the eye-slots developing to a slender nose, puckered mouth; remains of pigment. 734 grams, 37.5 cm
From Kenya, East Africa. From the private collection of Mr N.J., Leicester, UK; acquired circa 2010. 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. -
African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Fertility Figure
Ashanti Tribe, late 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Carved from light-coloured, lightweight wood in traditional form and dyed black; large, round head, with striated hairstyle to the centre, large eyes and three short lines representing the typical tribal scarification marks on the forehead; tapering body and stub arms, tiered base. 532 grams, 46.5 cm
From Ghana, West Africa. From the private collection of Mr N.J., Leicester, UK; acquired circa 2010. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Among the Ashanti people in Ghana, women hoping for offspring carry these ‘Akuaba dolls’ in their clothes. Traditionally, these ‘Akuaba’ have a large, round, flat head that is reminiscent of its origin as a representation of the moon goddess, which is associated with fertility. Once the ‘Akuaba’ figure has fulfilled its purpose, the mother of the desired child places it on her domestic altar, where it is worshipped in a shrine, or she passes it on to the next generation.
