Description:

West Africa, Eastern Nigeria, Mumuye, ca. early 20th century CE. A striking shoulder/yoke mask created by the Mumuye culture of Nigeria. The impressive form consists of an elongated neck set under a diminuitive head with large ears, boldly abstract high relief facial features on an expressive visage, and set above an arched form carved to fit over a shoulder depicting a helmeted visage with a pronounced nose. A substantive wooden ring, incised with elaborate sinuous motifs, encircles the neck. These masks are known as Sukwava, and were historically worn during pre-war ceremonies. As time went on, their function evolved and they were also used in agricultural rain-making and healing ceremonies. Nice, dark brown patina with remains of red pigmentSize: 4.5" L x 4.25" W x 13.125" H (11.4 cm x 10.8 cm x 33.3 cm)

Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA

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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#112185

  • Condition: Aged wood with expected surface wear, minor cracking and nicks here and there. Overall very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000