African Tribal Art: Gurunsi People, Burkina Faso: Antelope Helmet Mask, 19th Century. Carved wood with dark patina. The mask is fitted with a custom-made steel display stand.

The Antelope mask represents one of the protective spirits from the bush, which is closely associated with the spirits of ancestors. Such masks can perform on several occasions throughout the dry season from October to May, including funerals of elders and annual village cleansing ceremonies, when malevolent supernatural spirits are chased from the village.

27H x 22W x 9D, 42.5H on stand (inches).

Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York

Good condition. Minor abrasions, wood desiccation, minor cracks.

NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.

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