Face mask with bells ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Wé - Ngere · ID: 3041446

Description

wood, brown patina, Kaolin, metal teeth, beard from human hair, brass bells, fabric, inserted metal tags in the forehead zone, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
the use of metal indicates wealth, and thus power and authority. Through the use of metal pendants like bells, a mask becomes more powerful and efficient. The shiny effect of the metal and even the sound of the bells carry meaning. Both qualities make the dance more impressive and attract the attention of not only the spectators but also of the ancestors.

The object Face mask with bells with the object ID 3041446 was last part of the auction 84th Tribal Art Auction at November 5, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 229 achieved a sales price of EUR 4,500.

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Comparing literature

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 104 f.