Early 20th C. African Guro Polychrome Mask, ex-McNemar

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Fine Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

Aug 26, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-08-26 10:00:00 2021-08-26 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-art-7366
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• Lot Description
  West Africa, Ivory Coast, Guro culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A finely carved and painted wooden mask of the mythical figure Zamble, with an elegant anthropomorphic and zoomorphic visage resembling a blend of antelope and human features. Adorned in hues of scarlet, cobalt, black, and white, the fascinating vizard presents characteristically elongated attributes, such as a tall forehead, a stretched nasal bridge, and a lengthy, square snout, accompanied by down-turned, semi-circular eyes, a pointed nose, and a large mouth held open to display 2 rows of jagged teeth and a red tongue. A set of 4 curved antlers tower high above the mask, extending from the top of the head, while incised, zigzag striations cap the forehead horizontally. The verso features a series of annular drill holes, allowing the piece to be strapped to the head or costume of its wearer with a wooden bar strapped to the lower section for one to place their chin. Size: 12.5" W x 33.125" H (31.8 cm x 84.1 cm); 35.25" H (89.5 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  These masks would have been part of a group of masks considered a family. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "In Guro culture, distinctions are made between masquerades that are the focus of cults and those that are more secular in nature. A sequence of three sacred masks centers around Zamble, a mythical male being whose form fuses antelope and leopard features. He is in turn complemented by his beautiful wife, Gu, and his wild, grotesque brother, Zuali. Such representations are owned by certain families that use them as the loci of sacrificial offerings proposed by diviners to improve their well-being. In contrast, other Guro mask forms, which serve only as sources of entertainment, are designed by individual performers."
  
  Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Thomas McNemar 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.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #165679

  Condition

  Collection number inscribed on bottom periphery of verso. Some nicks, chips, abrasions, and old inactive insect holes throughout, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments.
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