Western Africa, Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia, Grebo culture, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden mask with a round chin and flat brow. The abstract visage includes rectangular holes for eyes and the mouth. The nose and cheekbones are carved in relief and jut slightly over the chin. The lower half of the mask is decorated with a notched edge that creates triangular shapes. The peripheries of the mask have perforations for hanging other ornamentation or for attaching to a costume. The incised surface around the nose and brow has traces of white pigment. White clay was often applied to these masks to symbolize the ku, or spirit, and the masks were worn in ceremonies to commemorate ancestors. Grebo masks like this piece have elements that influenced Cubism and inspired many of Picasso's pieces! Size: 5.5" W x 9.5" H (14 cm x 24.1 cm); 13.5" H (34.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex- private New York, New York, USA collection

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#158008

Age commensurate surface wear with abrasions, nicks, and chips. Old collection number written on verso. Traces of white pigment.