African Lega Wood Mask w/ Raffia Beard
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Description
**Originally Listed At $300**
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fascinating mask, hand-carved from wood of rich brown hues, and fit with a long, twirling beard of tan raffia. The haunting visage presents an ovoid form with a pair of heavy-lidded, slit eyes, a slightly-risen, triangular nose, and a straight mouth, carefully carved with a top and bottom row of square teeth. The fiber has been skillfully braided to attach to the chin of the mask, while a row of annular drill holes lines the periphery, allowing it to be secured to one's face. Lovely remains of creamy white pigment decorate the area surrounding the eyes, nose, and mouth. Size: 3.25" W x 13.5" H (8.3 cm x 34.3 cm); 14.125" H (35.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#137899
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lega peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fascinating mask, hand-carved from wood of rich brown hues, and fit with a long, twirling beard of tan raffia. The haunting visage presents an ovoid form with a pair of heavy-lidded, slit eyes, a slightly-risen, triangular nose, and a straight mouth, carefully carved with a top and bottom row of square teeth. The fiber has been skillfully braided to attach to the chin of the mask, while a row of annular drill holes lines the periphery, allowing it to be secured to one's face. Lovely remains of creamy white pigment decorate the area surrounding the eyes, nose, and mouth. Size: 3.25" W x 13.5" H (8.3 cm x 34.3 cm); 14.125" H (35.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#137899
Condition
Repaired from three pieces with some restoration over break lines. Expected surface wear with nicks/chips and abrasions commensurate with age. Some restoration along peripheries. Otherwise, very nice with lovely patina and liberal remains of pigment.
Buyer's Premium
- 27.5%
African Lega Wood Mask w/ Raffia Beard
Estimate $200 - $300
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Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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Payment
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Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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