Description:

Western Africa, Mali, Dogon people, ca. early 20th century CE. An abstract, hand-carved wooden mask in the form of a monkey with an elongated face and very long, open rectangular eyes. The top of the head is rounded, with two round, curved ears projecting from it. The bottom of the mask widens and flares outward as if the monkey has a jutting chin. Along the sides are a series of drilled holes for attaching materials to the mask. Comes with custom stand. Size: 6.5" L x 6" W x 13.7" H (16.5 cm x 15.2 cm x 34.8 cm); height on stand: 20.25" (51.4 cm)

Dogon masks are important for ritual performance, especially relating to funerary rites and the dama, which is the celebration at the end of a period of mourning. They are controlled by the Awa society, male initiates, who protect the masks. This monkey mask would be a non-threatening, unaggressive character in a ritual dance, lacking teeth.

Provenance: private Alan Davis collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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.

#121699

  • Condition: Wear to wood, with some small cracks and losses commensurate with age. One small area has been repaired on the upper side.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 18, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
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