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THB19th C. African Baule Wood Helmet Mask Bo Nun Amuin
Lot 86
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$1,800 - $2,700
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Mar 18, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-03-18 10:00:00
2021-03-18 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Pre-Columbian | Tribal | Oceanic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/pre-columbian-tribal-oceanic-6520
Featuring Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, much more. All items have been legally acquired and are legal to sell. Convenient in-house shipping. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, much more. All items have been legally acquired and are legal to sell. Convenient in-house shipping. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (323)
- Lot Description
Western Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Baule (Baoule) people, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A marvelous and massive Baule helmet mask known as a "bo nun amuin" ("gods of the bush") or "amuin yasua" ("men's gods") carved from mocha brown-hued wood. The fierce vizard presents a lengthy rectangular snout with broad nostrils, a raised nasal bridge, and two enormous, almond-shaped eyes with heavy lids. Large gritting teeth are incised on either side of the boxy muzzle. Supported by a thick, cylindrical neck, the ferocious visage is capped by a pair of curved horns resting above two petite ears. A horizontal slit is carved into the bottom of the snout. Boasting a lustrous sheen, this mask is a fabulous example from the Baule peoples. Size: 11" W x 19" H (27.9 cm x 48.3 cm); 27" H (68.6 cm) on included custom stand.
According to the Agnes Etherington Art Center in Kingston, Ontario, "Associated with masculine concerns and the wilderness space of the bush, [bo nun amuin masks] are worn in dance to protect the community from harm, to honour important deceased men and past dancers at funerals, and to discipline women and younger men. Although not considered to be a literal representation of an animal, a bo nun amuin's horns and toothy jaws suggest bush creatures like buffalo and crocodiles. The connection to the bush is further reinforced by the performer's costume, which is composed strictly of raffia, never cloth. In performance, a bo nun amuin masker displays a vigorous dance style sometimes accompanied by aggressive behaviour, which, by demanding immediate sacrifices, striking an audience member for wrong behaviour, or threatening the audience, serves to police and protect community interests. Because of its wild, sacred nature, only men can view a bo nun amuin mask. Its heavy, animal-like features and its protective, disciplinarian role provide a striking contrast to Baule portrait masks, which are performed in front of the entire village for entertainment and are an important component of 'women's dances'."
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private northeastern USA collection
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.
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#162672Expected surface wear as shown with a few nicks/chips and light abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent and intact with nice patina.Condition
- Shipping Info
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