Zemanek-Münster

Face mask with articulated jaw

Côte d'Ivoire, Wé/Ngere
sold EUR 4,000
Provenance
Valluet-Ferrandin, Paris, France
Size
H: 27 cm
H: 10.6 inch

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, red and white pigment, roof-like protruding forehead, castagnet eyes, a broad and bulky nose, tubular projections, the snout coated with animal skin (with remains of fur), plaited bands of human hair along rim, inset human teeth, partly stud with aglets, metal hooks and wooden sticks (mostly broken out), slightly dam., minor missing parts, abrasion of paint;
presumably belonging to the “gle va” category. In the past “gle va” had an enormous reputation, and rarely made an appearance. It only settled large matters, such as stopping wars between villages.


Comparing literature

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 112

Publications

Galerie Valluet-Ferrandin, Arts anciens de Côte d'Ivoire et régions limitrophes, Paris 2002, p. 80

Exhibition

Paris: "Arts anciens de Côte d'Ivoire et régions limitrophes", Galerie Valluet-Ferrandin, 2002

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