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LOT 2366
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
DAN TRIBE, EARLY 20TH CENTURY A.D.
28 3/8 in. (2.1 kg, 72 cm long).
Carved wooden mask of oval profile with narrow slits for eyes, pursed lips, a ribbed forehead, bands of applied textile and cowrie shells; tall fabric-covered headdress with applied cowrie shells and other ornament. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Ivory Coast, West Africa.
Private Hampshire, UK, collection of tribal art; acquired in the 1960s.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
This is a Dan Dean Gle Mask. Its functions are to teach, entertain and nurture. One of the most spectacular dances of the Ivory Coast is the dance of the stilt walkers, it is a ritual dance that protects the village and is celebrated during ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, initiations, and other special occasions.
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
Chokwe Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Carved and decorated with lengths of fiber representing hair, small nose, carved teeth and scarification marks. 525 grams, 28.5 cm
From Western Ivory Coast and into Liberia, West Africa. From the private collection of the late Brian Morley; acquired in the 1950s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
Ashanti Bronze Gold Weight Collection
Akan, 19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Including a hexagonal-section block with stamped motif, rectangular bars and other types. 211 grams total, 19-68 mm
From an old Oxford, UK, collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Senufo Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Carved with an oval face, pointed chin, a flat nose, slit eyes, an open mouth; animal figure presented on top and some scarification. 715 grams, 36 cm
From Burkina Faso, West Africa. From the estate of a West Sussex, UK, collector. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Several types of masks are used depending upon the occasion. The Kpelie, a human face with projections all around, is said to remind initiates of human imperfection.
