Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
The Dan people – an ethnolinguistic grouping – has presence in the mountainous areas of Côte d’Ivoire and adjacent areas of Liberia. This particular mask is from Liberia and specifically used by the Poro . . . a secret society where only males are admitted. As…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-1763
- Provenance/Origin: Dan. Liberia. Circa late-1900s
- Composition: Wood, shells, cord
- Dimensions: 10" tall x 6" wide (wooden mask only)
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Price: $ 195.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
You all know about the use of this Phurba… how it is and was used in the construction of sacred buildings to drive away hatred and demonic obstacles. But here is a new twist to its formation. Banjhakri are “forest or wilderness” shamanic deities. They…
Continue reading → - Item Number: W-8760
- Provenance/Origin: Nepal. Circa mid-1900s
- Composition: Wood and cloth
- Dimensions: 12" long (without cloth extended) x 1" at widest diameter
- Weight: 0.75 pound
- Price: $ 135.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
There is an ancient legend about the two warriors who fought with each other in many battles. In one such battle, the older warrior killed the younger. When he removed the mask of the dead warrior, he saw that it was his son….. leading to torment…
Continue reading → - Item Number: S-8143
- Provenance/Origin: Carved in Central Asia. Age unknown
- Composition: Wood
- Dimensions: 8" tall x 7.5" wide x 8" deep
- Weight: 6.25 pounds
- Price: $ 68.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
Not to be confused with the Wayang Topeng mask used in a dramatic form of dance performances, this mask was used in performances and stories about the kingdom of Janggala . . . about a love story between a prince and princess. Obviously not used by the…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-1600
- Provenance/Origin: Bali through Thailand. Age unknown
- Composition: Wood
- Dimensions: 12" tall x 5.5" at widest point
- Weight: 1 pound
- Price: $ 88.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
The Zigula are a Tanzanian ethnic and linguistic people from the northern Pwani Region and southern Tanga Region. Zigua art, like most art from Tanzania, is poorly understood… and frequently misidentified. They absolutely have a vibrant tradition of ritual carvings. Their “mummy” figures are thought…
Continue reading → - Item Number: S-3750
- Provenance/Origin: Zigua. Tanzania. Mid- to Late- 1900s
- Composition: Wood and Fabric
- Dimensions: 13.25" tall x 3" wide x 2" deep
- Weight: 1 pound
- Price: $ 315.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
Acquired from the Hunt Slonem’s collection, an American painter and sculptor. Interestingly enough, one of his most well-known quotes is: “I would say my whole life could be summed up by the word ‘exotica’”. Wonder what the rest…
Continue reading → - Item Number: S-6330
- Provenance/Origin: 18th Century, Thailand. Slonem Collection
- Composition: Wood
- Dimensions: 12" tall x 7" wide x 5" deep
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
- Price: $ 385.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
By now you know the significance of this Hindu deity riding between the Garuda (protector) wings. If not, ask me. I have books on the symbolism . Carved in the 1940s -1950s in the town of Ubud in the…
Continue reading → - Item Number: S-1250
- Provenance/Origin: Ubud Bali. 1940s - 1950s
- Composition: Wood, gold leaf, paint
- Dimensions: 36" tall x ~34" at widest
- Weight: ~25 pounds
- Price: $ 1,650.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
Look at the dynamic carvings of this helmet mask. The high and bulging forehead is quite normal for this ethnic group. But the depth and symbolism of the carvings is quite extraordinary. I have spent some time in trying to determine the significance of this…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-8069
- Provenance/Origin: Congo. Circa mid-1900s
- Composition: Wood and Cord
- Dimensions: 15" tall x 9" wide x 8" deep
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Price: $ 265.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
An object d’art wooden bird mask, with a quality suitable for a museum exhibit. Superbly carved by Chokwe artisans to honor divine ancestors. Acquired from a Pretoria South African Gallery whose owner has direct access to chiefs in the Congo. Based on my purchases and…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-2486
- Provenance/Origin: DNC, Congo. Circa 1975 - 1900s
- Composition: Wood, pigment, woven vegetal fibers
- Dimensions: 16" tall x 12" wide x 8" deep
- Weight: 4 pounds (mask alone)
- Price: $ 1,195.00 USD
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
One of the three known royal masks, the helmet Bwoom is one of the oldest mask types used by the Kuba. These were introduced in the 17th Century by King Miko mi-Mbul. Most often used in funerals, they are also used…
Continue reading → - Item Number: M-5805
- Provenance/Origin: Kuba peoples. DRC. Circa mid-1900s
- Composition: Wood. Twine and fabric.
- Dimensions: 15" tall x 14" at widest x 16" deep
- Weight: 7.5 pounds (mask alone)
- Price: $ 835.00 USD
