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LOT 2353
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
KAMBA TRIBE, MID-LATE 20TH CENTURY A.D.
14 3/4 in. (734 grams, 37.5 cm).
Hollow to the reverse, with reserved hoops around the eye-slots developing to a slender nose, puckered mouth; remains of pigment. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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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. -
African Terracotta Bead Necklace Group
12th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £65
Ten restrung mainly cream and beige-coloured rondelle, tubular and ribbed beads and other types. 64 grams total, 70-74 cm
Ex property of a UK gallery, early 2000s. -
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Fang Tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A large carved mask with a white heart-shaped face and a decoration to the forehead. 764 grams, 43 cm
From Cameroon, Central Africa. From the collection of the late Professor R M Hicks, OBE. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The Fang used masks in their secret societies. Fang masks, such as those worn by itinerant troubadours and for hunting and punishing sorcerers, are painted white with facial features outlined in black. Typical are large, elongated masks and featuring a face that was usually heart-shaped with a long, fine nose. Apparently, it has been linked with the dead and ancestors, since white is their color. The ngontang dance society also used white masks, sometimes in the form of a four-sided helmet-mask with bulging forehead and eyebrows in heart-shaped arcs.
