Connoisseur's Collection: African Tribal Art
Wed, Oct 26, 2022 05:30PM EDT
Lot 71
African Baga Snake Helmet Mask
Estimate: $3,000 - $6,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $20,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 |
| $100,000 | $500,000 |
African Tribal Art: Baga People, Guinea, West Africa: Helmet mask with a snake. Late 19th Century (Circa 1890) Carved wood and pigments, mounted on a custom-made steel stand.
The serpent (Kalimbe, or Bansonyi) refers to a protective spirit manifested in the form of a snake that presides over male initiation ceremonies in the Baga culture.
Many helmet-style masks feature holes along the lower rim, by which whey are attached to a costume. This mask, without holes, shows wear from being held above the head by hand.
This item is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private collection, New York
Dimensions: 43"H x 41.5"L w/stand; Mask is 10.5"H x 7"Wx 41.5"L
Good, aged condition, with signs of wear and use.
The serpent (Kalimbe, or Bansonyi) refers to a protective spirit manifested in the form of a snake that presides over male initiation ceremonies in the Baga culture.
Many helmet-style masks feature holes along the lower rim, by which whey are attached to a costume. This mask, without holes, shows wear from being held above the head by hand.
This item is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private collection, New York
Dimensions: 43"H x 41.5"L w/stand; Mask is 10.5"H x 7"Wx 41.5"L
Condition
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