West Africa, Cameroon, Mambila peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. This is a carved wood helmet mask painted with kaolin and ochres, with a round face with three dimensional eyes, nose, and mouth full of teeth on the front, and eyes and long horns reminiscent of an antelope forming the part that goes over the wearer's head. The Mambila peoples live in the grasslands of Cameroon and Nigeria and practice agriculture from autonomous villages. Masks like these are worn by men in the society during the planting and harvesting seasons; they are meant to represent the hunter in the bush, becoming a part of the animal kingdom. They are often danced alongside secondary animal masks like the crow, owl, or dog, who is a valued hunting companion. This type of mask is often referred to as a "moon mask". Comes with custom stand. Size: 19.25" L x 9" W x 6.5" H (48.9 cm x 22.9 cm x 16.5 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private Washinton collection; ex-Herell collection, Los Angeles collected in situ, December 1987.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#113631

Intact, with expected wear, but beautifully clear colors and features.