African Mask with Bronze Inlays, Cowrie Shells and Beadwork West or Central Africa, 19th century Impressive African ritual mask carved from a single piece of hardwood, richly decorated with bronze inlaid plates, cowrie shells, and old multicolored glass beadwork. The surface shows a deep, authentic patina consistent with long-term ritual use and age. The facial features are strongly stylized: slit eyes with bronze inserts, a pronounced nose, and an open mouth. The combination of bronze, shells, and beads indicates a mask of high ceremonial and symbolic importance, likely associated with status, initiation, or ancestral rituals. The reverse side shows clear signs of age, including tool marks and old insect activity, further supporting the authenticity of the piece. Condition Authentic aged condition with strong patina Visible age-related wear and old insect holes, consistent with ethnographic use A natural age crack is present along the side (see photos) A carved recess on the back makes the mask ideal for wall mounting No modern repairs observed Materials Hardwood Bronze inlays Cowrie shells Glass beads Dimensions Diameter: 33 cm Height: 11 cm Weight: 1.3 kg Period 19th century Provenance From a private European collection This is not a tourist or decorative reproduction, but a genuine ethnographic object with strong visual presence, ideal for collectors of African art or ethnographic interiors.