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This is the rating and price for Senufo Firespitter Mask Janiform With Chameleon Snake, Second half twentie



Description : Additonal Information: A superb helmt mask with two powerful animal open jaws showing strong carved teeth, The mask is topped with a  ,paired chameleon figures pulling on a small  ,bowl. A large carved  ,snake surounds the perimeter of the helmet mask with its head resting on the top of the mask. Traces of white pigment applied over the mask can e seen on the surface. Inner patina suggests wear. The crocodile mouth at the front of this mask incorporates warthog tusks coming out of the upper jaw represent the uncontrolled forces of the bush. This mask is most probably used by Senufo farmers and when worn the dancer would look out through the opening of the mouth. This imposing helmet mask known as Kopnyungo, meaning literally “funeral head mask” is worn by senior members of Poro at funerals of deceased and honored members. Large composite masks danced by the Senufo symbolically incorporate a number of different animal motifs to create an image that is aggressive and powerful. This is an excellent example of Senufo masks. It would stand out in any collection. The mask comes from the collection of an African man, former curator of the Cote D'Ivoire National Museum in Abidjan, who sold me his entire collection to fund getting his 8 children out of the war-ravaged country. I bought his collection, his brother's Yoruba collection, and the collection of a friend. The 300 pieces have been reviewed by a scholar with 35 years in the field of African art, a university professor and PhD, who trained with Roy Sieber. I have examined this piece and agree with the description Niangi Batulukisi, PhD.
Price: 546.25 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 900 USD-1200 USD It's free to register now to view!

About the lot N° 78815
Title : Senufo Firespitter Mask Janiform With Chameleon Snake, Period : Second half twentie
Medium : Wood, pigment
Size : Height: 12 inches. Width: 24 inches
Condition report : Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. minor chips, dents, and Shallow cracks in places, dust
Africa Direct, auctioneer, Denver, CO It's free to register now to view!
Sale title : African Art, Carvings, Masks, Baskets and Beads
Sale date : 25 Sep 2015 It's free to register now to view!
Sale Reference : Live Sale

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