Miniature mask "ma go" · Liberia, Bassa · ID: 3037534
sold
EUR 700
Provenance
collected in situ in Monrovia, Liberia (1973)Stacy Collection, Washington D.C., USA
Size
H: 8 cm
H: 3.1 inch
Description
wood, slightly shiny dark brown patina, copying the mask type “geh-naw”, slightly dam. (left ear), insect caused missing parts (backside);
these miniature masks are called “ma go”, which means “small head”. On travels they function as substitute for the big masks in representing the tutelary spirit.
Comparing literature
Meneghini, Mario, Collecting African Art in Liberia and Neighboring Countries 1963 - 1989, o.O. 2006, p. 65, ill. 30