Superb mask "djela"
Niece of Mr. Duperrier, France
Stacy Collection, Washington D.C., USA (1975), American diplomate, who served in Africa in the 1960’s and 1970’s
Description
iron wood, matt reddish brown patina, remains of black paint, kaolin, small traces of indigo blue pigment, concave vaulted face with delicate facial features: arching brows, a diminutive nose with curved bridge, flanked by small ears and surrounded by scarification marks arranged in a circle, striking ornamental hairline and jagged comb, marvelous patina from repeated usage, slightly dam. (teeth), fine cracks, abrasion of paint, minor missing parts (rim right hand side, backside on top);
very old and superbly carved piece !
According to Eberhard Fischer present mask was made by the same hand like a mask formerly kept in the Museé Barbier Mueller in Geneva, which is said to have been already in the collection of Josef Müller in 1930 (see catalogue E. Fischer/L.Homberger, 1985, ill. 96). Stylistically Fischer assigns present mask to the workshop of the Yasua master.
He identifies the mask as an early female version of the “djela” mask type (without horns, but with jagged coiffure), representing the daughter of “zamble” and “gu”.