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LOT 2376
African Wooden Ceremonial 'Maiden Spirit' Face Mask
IGBO TRIBE, EARLY 20TH CENTURY A.D.
22 in. (1.4 kg, 56 cm).
A mask with long narrow face, painted white; narrow protruding sharp nose; slit eyes; closed mouth; small ears, arching eyebrows, incised hair design and above this is an elaborate openwork construction in brown, yellow and white. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom South-West Nigeria, West Africa.
From an old Newbury, UK, ethnographic collection.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Agbogho mmwo, or "maiden spirit," masks are worn by men at festivals that honour important deities. They represent the Igbo ideal of female beauty: small, balanced features, elaborate hairstyles, and delicate tattoos. The men who dance in agbogho mmwo masks wear colourful, tight-fitting fibre costumes, entertaining the crowd with exaggerated versions of women's dances.
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
Bambara Tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Rectangular shaped mask with a wide mouth, a broad nose, wearing a helmet with two crescent-shaped horns and coated with possibly sacrificial material. 1.77 kg, 39 cm
From Mali, West Africa. From a Glasgow ethnographical collection; formed 1940s-1950s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
African Bronze Figure on Horseback
Edo Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Substantial bronze horse model with harness, bridle and saddle, a rider figure and four biconvex wheels. 2.33 kg, 18.4 cm high
From Benin. Ex Surrey, UK, ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
Ashanti Bronze Gold Figural Weight Collection
Akan Tribe, 19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Comprising three kilted figures, each carrying a basket, in various poses. 105 grams total, 53-56 mm
From an old Oxford, UK, collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
