This is the rating and price for Fine 20Th C. African Pende Wood Kipoko Helmet Mask

Description : Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eastern Pende people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden helmet mask known as a Giphogo or Kipoko, a rare type reserved for chiefs during initiation ceremonies. The lightweight wood is bell shaped with a knobbed head, arched brows, narrow slit-form eyes to see through, pointed nose, cupped ears, and protruding rim that serves as a beard, the edges carved with triangular motifs. The verso of the head has diamond motifs painted and carved into the surface, with a series of perforations along the rim for attaching the rest of the costume. The entire mask is painted with soot black, powdered redwood, and white kaolin pigment. The exaggerated eyes and ears represent the chief's ability to see and hear all the happenings his kingdom, while the tiny mouth hole demonstrates reticence and controlled speech. Size: 11 L x 12 W x 11.75 H (27.9 cm x 30.5 cm x 29.8 cm), 17 H (43.2 cm) on included custom stand. Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, ex estate of Jack Faxon, Birmingham, Michigan, USA and New York City, New York, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #172452
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Estimate (low-high) : 1800 USD-2700 USD It's free to register now to view!

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