West Africa, Burkina Faso, Winiama or Nunuma peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand-carved mask that represents a stylized monkey with an oblong face bearing slightly raised and rounded eyes within spirals, a wedge shaped nose, a jutting circular mouth, and recessed jagged teeth. This mask is a combination of anthropomorphic and simian qualities - the overhanging ridged forehead contains petite rounded ear tabs, and the geometrical marks on the cheek and chin are ritualistic scarification. The verso has a deep concavity for wearing, the perimeter pierced for suspension cords or attaching to a larger costume, and a braided vegetable fiber cord encircles the rim. Masks represent the spirits of ancestors and the natural world - by carving a physical visage, they can commune with and seek guidance from ancestors to ensure successful harvests; they are typically kept on altars when not in use. Dancers dressed as monkeys perform energetically, mimicking their audience as entertainment. Size: 7" L x 4" W x 14" H (17.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 35.6 cm); 19" H (48.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Edwin and Cherie Silver collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, from the 1990s
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#172632
Condition
Old loss to lower interior rim of chin. Surface abrasions, chips and age and use related wear. Dark patina throughout.