Dance mask - Nigeria
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 850 - € 1,000
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Description from the seller
Amongst the Mumuye, who live in northern Nigeria on the border of Cameroon, there are - in addition to their well-known ancestor figures - two types of masks: a large crest or shoulder mask, known as ‘Sukwava’ (see cat. no. 62), and smaller helmet or head crest masks, such as the present one, thought to be female and known as ‘grandmother’ or ‘old woman’. These ‘grandmother masks’ play an important role in the initiation of young tribal members, and they also dance at seed-sowing time, at harvests, at funeral rituals and other important events. The present ‘grandmother mask’ of the Mumuye was carved out of very hard, heavy wood, completely coloured dark brown and afterwards, outside, provided with an additional red tone using powdered redwood.
Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateAmongst the Mumuye, who live in northern Nigeria on the border of Cameroon, there are - in addition to their well-known ancestor figures - two types of masks: a large crest or shoulder mask, known as ‘Sukwava’ (see cat. no. 62), and smaller helmet or head crest masks, such as the present one, thought to be female and known as ‘grandmother’ or ‘old woman’. These ‘grandmother masks’ play an important role in the initiation of young tribal members, and they also dance at seed-sowing time, at harvests, at funeral rituals and other important events. The present ‘grandmother mask’ of the Mumuye was carved out of very hard, heavy wood, completely coloured dark brown and afterwards, outside, provided with an additional red tone using powdered redwood.
Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris
Seller's Story
Montagut Gallery
Gallery specializing in African tribal art
Montagut Gallery is a gallery specializing in African tribal art, a space devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the African continent. Founded in 1990 in Barcelona, the gallery has been a beacon for lovers of tribal art, thanks to the drive and passion of Guilhem Montagut.
Guided by his deep interest in tribal art, Guilhem Montagut immersed himself in this fascinating world through the influence of Rachel Montagut, pioneer and visionary in the world of African tribal art, founder and prominent gallerist. Since then, the gallery has remained true to its mission of spreading the beauty and importance of African art on the international art scene.
Montagut Gallery’s presence extends beyond the borders of Barcelona, actively participating in world-renowned fairs such as TEFAF Maastricht, Brafa Art Fair, Paris Tribal, Parcours des Mondes, and FAB.
The gallery is dedicated to organizing multidisciplinary exhibitions that dialogue and juxtapose African art with other artistic languages, creating a space for cultural exchange and reflection. Its aim is to raise awareness and help people understand that African art is not only a unique cultural expression but also an integral and indispensable part of the world’s art history heritage.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Material
Wood
Country of origin
Nigeria
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
Height
50 cm
Width
22 cm
Sold with stand
Yes
Estimated period
1920-1930
Sold by
