West Africa, Liberia or Sierra Leone, Mende peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A large wooden mask characterized by slit-form eyes, a broad, tall forehead, a petite triangular nose, and a lovely conical coiffure with dozens of thin striations and topped by a thick top knot. This type of mask is used by a female society within the Mende culture on important occasions: handing down justice, attending funeral ceremonies, and going through initiation rites. During such initiation rites, previously initiated women, the "Sande," wear these masks when greeting the newly-initiated as they return from three months' seclusion in the forest. Often these masks combine male elements with female elements to show that the women have attained the same amount of knowledge as men. Size: 8.2" W x 13.3" H (20.8 cm x 33.8 cm); 18.125" H (46 cm) on included custom stand.
A stylistically similar example, of a slightly larger size, hammered for GBP 5,000 ($6,103) at Christie's, London "Peter Petrou: Tales of the Unexpected" auction (sale 17484, January 30, 2019, lot 67).
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection
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#150313
Condition
Minor nicks to face, coiffure, peripheries, and bottom rim, with light softening to some finer details, and fading to areas of original black pigment, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.