Description:

West Africa, Liberia, Bassa peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden mask of a triangular form with a pointed chin, a prominent nose, parted lips, petite ears, and heavy eye lids with thin slits beneath. The thick brows arch slightly upwards onto the tall forehead, and the incised vertical panel in the center represents ritual scarification. The term "gela" translates to "the ancient one" and suggests that masks like this example were passed down as ancestral heirlooms throughout several generations. Size: 5.875" W x 9.375" H (14.9 cm x 23.8 cm); 12.375" H (31.4 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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#147736

  • Condition: Losses to front of forehead and areas of periphery as shown. Small nicks to nose, lips, ears, eyes, and verso, with fading and abrasions to areas of original brown pigmentation, and inactive insect wear. Light earthen deposits throughout. Mounted with modern metal wire on verso for suspension.

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July 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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