Bold, archaic and extensively weathered Dogon satimbe mask.
An elongated face flanked by lateral projections on either side framing triangular eyes, a very long pointed nose and rounded mouth on scooped chin below. Along the top front edge of the mask are two small pointed ears. Those ears flank the diminutive standing female figure that otherwise characterizes a satimbe mask. Areas of dark pigment are present all over the mask including the interior. An old iron staple repair is present near the chin where the points were pushed through the back and folded over at front.
Pecci stated that it is pre-18th century. To support this, a mask with similar facial features was published by Hélène Leloup in her book "Statuaire Dogon" and is thought to be an early form of satimbe mask. This may also explain the strong resemblance of the figure to those of the Tellem people who occupied the same land as the Dogon until about the 16th century.
23" tall. Presented on custom base.

Published:
"Femina: A Vision of the Woman in African and Himalayan Art," (Pecci, 2006)

Provenance:
Hof Collection, Holland
Joaquin Pecci, Brussels
Private Collection, Boston, MA (purchased from above, 2008)

Erosion and losses as shown. The figure at top is broken at its midpoint and has been repaired with glue.

28.5 in

2.75 lb