500 Gallery
Live Auction

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

Condition

Good, aged condition, with signs of wear and use.

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