code: 2024-JA

an anthropomorphic, carved wooden mask

probably from the Cameroon Grassfields, for example of the 

 Mfumte, Nfumte, Kaka, Bamileke or Bangwa peoples,

we see a stylization of the human face in a rough and expressionistic style, 

an open mooth with visible wooden teeth, 

on the head probably a headdress, where feathers, hair or grasses have been attached to,

because it is quite small and there are no holes on the side, 

we believe it is not a dance or head mask,

it might be a burial mask - part of grave goods - that would escort the deceased to, and into, the tomb / shrine, or to be used for sacrifices

condition: signs of age and handling, authentic patine - not faked, age unknown - probably first half of 20th Century

height: circa 27,5 cm / circa 10.9 inch

width: circa 11 cm / circa 4.3 inch

weight: circa 450 gram

we are not experts on the subject of tribal art, we have done some limited and unprofessional research, trying to attribute this object to a land, country, tribe or people, to the best we could - before bidding or buying do judge for yourself the tribal affilation and the correct age - we are selling this item "as is" and we will not accept returns if the buyer finds that we are wrong concerning these matters.