West Africa, Mali, Bamana (Bambara), ca. early 20th century CE. A striking wooden anthropomorphic mask characterized by its stylized features, including a jutting brow over deeply recessed, pierced-through eyes, a ridged nose, and a pointed chin. An elaborate headdress crowns the head, featuring a tiered section and an arched panel extending from the forehead to a pointed apex. The verso is hollowed out with attachment holes pierced around the rim, through which a cotton cloth has been secured using string. The mask displays a rich patina with traces of blue pigment on its surface, adding to its visual appeal. Such masks may have been worn by members of Bamana initiation societies, of which there are about six, during religious rituals or by dancers in marionette performances. Size: 16" L x 6.5" W (40.6 cm x 16.5 cm)

Provenance: Private Arlington, Virginia, USA collection

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#187205

    Condition:
  • Old loss to a piece connecting arched panel to top of headdress. Perforation through the wood above the tiered headdress area. Otherwise nice patina and remains of blue pigment. Staining and discoloration to cloth.

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by Artemis Fine Arts
January 30, 2025 8:00 AM MST
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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