Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia border region
Mid-20th century (circa 1940–1965)
Carved dense hardwood with applied metal tacks
Height: 13.5 in. (mask only); 19.5 in. with stand
This is a mask built for presence. Projecting horn-like forms, a heavy architectural nose, and a deeply carved open mouth give it a charged, almost speaking expression — a face designed to read from a distance and come alive in motion. The helmet-like depth and small rectangular eye openings add intensity; the fine incised coiffure at the crown shows a carver who knew when to shift registers, from bold to refined.
The applied metal tacks around the forehead and lower projections are a standout feature. In performance, they caught and reflected light in the dancer's movement — flash and rhythm made visible. They also confirm a mask that was made to be used, not displayed.
The surface holds up. Dense, substantial wood carries a deep, lustrous patina with the natural variation of long-handled objects: bright on the high points, dark in the recesses. Perimeter attachment holes remain intact, evidence that this mask once anchored a full fiber costume ensemble in which the dancer disappeared, and the spirit took over.
Condition is honest and consistent with age: a stable crack at the top rear rim and an old indigenous repair to one horn — both marks of a mask that was danced, not preserved. Custom stand included.
Condition: Good. Stable crack on the top of the rim.
Dimensions: Overall with stand 19.5 × 7 × 6.5 inches; Mask only 13.5 × 7 × 6.5 inches (H x W x D)
Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia border region
Mid-20th century (circa 1940–1965)
Carved dense hardwood with applied metal tacks
Height: 13.5 in. (mask only); 19.5 in. with stand
This is a mask built for presence. Projecting horn-like forms, a heavy architectural nose, and a deeply carved open mouth give it a charged, almost speaking expression — a face designed to read from a distance and come alive in motion. The helmet-like depth and small rectangular eye openings add intensity; the fine incised coiffure at the crown shows a carver who knew when to shift registers, from bold to refined.
The applied metal tacks around the forehead and lower projections are a standout feature. In performance, they caught and reflected light in the dancer's movement — flash and rhythm made visible. They also confirm a mask that was made to be used, not displayed.
The surface holds up. Dense, substantial wood carries a deep, lustrous patina with the natural variation of long-handled objects: bright on the high points, dark in the recesses. Perimeter attachment holes remain intact, evidence that this mask once anchored a full fiber costume ensemble in which the dancer disappeared, and the spirit took over.
Condition is honest and consistent with age: a stable crack at the top rear rim and an old indigenous repair to one horn — both marks of a mask that was danced, not preserved. Custom stand included.
Condition: Good. Stable crack on the top of the rim.
Dimensions: Overall with stand 19.5 × 7 × 6.5 inches; Mask only 13.5 × 7 × 6.5 inches (H x W x D)
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