Miniature mask "ma go" · Liberia, Bassa · ID: 3037534
Stacy Collection, Washington D.C., USA
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.
The object Miniature mask “ma go” with the object ID 3037534 was part of the auction 78th tribal art auction on October 18, 2014. The object with the lot number 133 achieved a sales price of EUR 700 with an asking price of EUR 600.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Comparing literature
Meneghini, Mario, Collecting African Art in Liberia and Neighboring Countries 1963 - 1989, o.O. 2006, p. 65, ill. 30