Anthropomorphic face mask ·  Gabon, Vuvi, northern Sango · ID: 3039084

Description

wood, greyish brown patina, red, white and black pigment, ornamentally designed face: high arching eyebrows corresponding with the deepened triangular compartment at the chin, the mouth diamond-shaped, narrow slit, just like the eyes which are very close to each other, the diadem-like coiffure arching over the forehead, old collection label and handwritten collection number “F11” on the backside, light scorch marks there as well, slightly dam. (nose), paint chipped off, traces of abrasion/usage backside at the rim;
only little is known about the usage of masks in Central Gabon. Each mask represents the spirit of “moghondzi” and bares a special name, referring to him. Their night-time performance is announced by the sound of drums. The ceremonial master performing a special song, commemorating the individual traits of the spirit. After usage, the masks were kept in special huts, together with further ritual items.

L’objet Anthropomorphic face mask avec l’ID d’objet 3039084 a fait partie de la dernière vente aux enchères 80th Tribal Art Auction dans 27 juin 2015 le Zemanek-Münster Hôtel des ventes. L’objet portant le numéro de lot 398 a atteint un prix de vente de 12 650 €.

Vous trouverez d’autres Masques et autres types d’objets populaires sur nos pages thématiques associées. Notre page sur le thème Art africain pourrait également vous intéresser.

Littérature comparée

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 74 Siroto, Leon, East of the Atlantic West of the Congo, San Francisco 1995, p. 36