500 Gallery
Live Auction

Antique & Vintage African Tribal Art

Thu, Apr 28, 2022 05:30PM EDT
Lot 48

Walu (Antelope) Mask, Dogon People, Mali

Estimate: $900 - $1,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$20,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
African Tribal Art: Dogon People, Mali, Walu (Antelope) Mask: Carved wood, heavily patinated with remnants of ochre, black and white pigments, On the back, some fiber rope attachments remain from its former costume. Late 19th/ early 20th century

The mask features an abstracted rectangular face divided into two symmetrical sections, with square eye holes cut into the deeply recessed areas. The back is hollowed, its top edge lined with incised holes for a rope-net attachment for securing the mask to the head of a dancer. Above, two tall abstracted horns are flanked by two stylized ears.

The Walu mask, like other Dogon masks, appeared at festivities marking the end of a period of mourning, and at the Sigi festival held every six decades to celebrate the history and mythical creation of the Dogon people.

Dimensions: 33H x 9.5W x 7.75D (inches)

Provenance: Private collection.

NOTE: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.

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Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private collection, New York

Dimensions: See Description

Condition

Good condition. Soiled, heavily patinated and discolored on the front. Scuffs, minor wood losses and other evidence of use and handling.
Note: Please inspect the photos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.

NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.

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