Lot 102
West Africa, Liberia, Bassa people, ca. early 20th century CE. A fascinating hybrid figure of a crocodile and a human. Masks depicting human faces stud the sides of the crocodile's body, two on each side. The head is elongated, with a human face atop a crocodilian mouth, as if the crocodile is dressed to play the part of a human. The human face has a baby-like countenance, with chubby cheeks and a mouth that looks pursed in the middle. Rows of hair are carved back from the figure's head, meeting a wide stripe of cross-hatched lines that goes down the length of the animal's back, only interrupted at the high point by an incised, shallow, diamond-shaped tray. This area was probably made for placing offerings. In traditional Bassa religion, crocodiles are one of the animals who are believed to have special powers and attributes. Size: 24" L x 9.25" W x 9.8" H (61 cm x 23.5 cm x 24.9 cm)
Provenance: private collection of Allen Davis, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#125473
- Condition: Inactive insect damage on the tail area. Dark patina from age and handling on the surface. Small loss to one back foot and top center.
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