Loading, please wait...
LOT 2333
African Wooden Ceremonial 'Maiden Spirit' Mask
PUNU TRIBE, EARLY-MID 20TH CENTURY A.D.
14 3/8 in. (851 grams, 36.5 cm).
A wooden mask with traces of white facial pigment and a raffia collar. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Gabon, West Africa.
From an old Norwich, UK, collection.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Punu masks represent idealised female ancestors' faces. The white colour of the mask is genderless and a symbol for peace, deities, spirits of the dead, and the afterlife. It is the predominating colour in funeral celebrations and memorials. The masks were worn during funerals. They appeared also in the magical rites whose function was to unmask sorcerers. The masks have realistic, mostly white but sometimes black faces with protruding pursed lips, globular protruding eyes incised with a curve, high-domed foreheads, and characteristic rigid high coiffures reflecting the Punu women's hair styles. The masks often have an oriental expression, but no such influence has been established. Many Punu masks can be recognized by raised diamond-shape scarification marks on the foreheads and temples.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
African Wooden Ancestor Figure
Baule Tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A hand-carved standing female figure with hands placed by the side, some scarification and wearing arm rings. 1.06 kg, 48.5 cm
From Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. From an old Bristol, UK, ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The Baule are noted for their fine wooden sculpture, particularly for their ritual figures representing spirits; these are associated with the ancestor cult. The figures and human masks are often elegant, well polished with elaborate hairdressings and scarification. -
African Brass Kano Bracelet Pair
Okombo Tribe, late 19th-early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
Penannular in form with plain white brass body and cone-shaped finials. 92 grams total, 63 mm each
From Nigeria, West Africa. From an old Derby, UK, specialist collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The bracelet is the most common money form in Africa. It served the important monetary functions of portability and wealth display. Variants of this form were accepted virtually everywhere in Africa. -
Ashanti Bronze Gold Weight Collection
Akan Tribe, 19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Including a miniature cutlass with phallic ornament, anchor with ropework detailing and other items. 236 grams total, 3-10.2 cm
From an old Oxford, UK, collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
