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Lot 116
Bete Mask, Côte d'Ivoire
11 May 2021, 11:00 EDT
New YorkUS$18,000 - US$25,000
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Bete Mask, Côte d'Ivoire
Wood, pigment, metal, tacks, plant fiber
height 13 1/2in (34.2cm)
Provenance
Sylvie LeCamp Collection, 1960s, Paris
Thence by descent
Acquired from the above by the present owner
"This type of anthropomorphic mask is used by the Nyabwa Gla association, and its principal task is to detect sorcerers who bring harm on the community. In keeping with this purpose the masquerader's appearance is intended to be frightening, an effect already achieve in the composition of the carved face mask itself... The large full-lipped mouth may have been intended to recall the muzzle of a leopard, or gi, which is often associated with this style of mask." (African Masks - The Barbier-Muller Collection, Iris Hahner, et. al (eds), Prestel, 2007, p. 255, cat. 98)
This mask is a remarkable construction of powerful volumes, embellished with metal tacks inserted in rows onto the raised elements that create a visual juxtaposition of forms and negative space; the nose turned slightly upwards with circular raised designs accenting the cheeks below the eyes; a fiber beard attached with metal tacks and a U-shaped metal inserted into top of head to unleash the intended spiritual function; small holes on upper right-hand forehead, above the left eye, on the left side near chin and on the right side of the nose going all the way through to the back side; dark brown patina with old encrustations indicative of significant age and traditional use.
height 13 1/2in (34.2cm)
Provenance
Sylvie LeCamp Collection, 1960s, Paris
Thence by descent
Acquired from the above by the present owner
"This type of anthropomorphic mask is used by the Nyabwa Gla association, and its principal task is to detect sorcerers who bring harm on the community. In keeping with this purpose the masquerader's appearance is intended to be frightening, an effect already achieve in the composition of the carved face mask itself... The large full-lipped mouth may have been intended to recall the muzzle of a leopard, or gi, which is often associated with this style of mask." (African Masks - The Barbier-Muller Collection, Iris Hahner, et. al (eds), Prestel, 2007, p. 255, cat. 98)
This mask is a remarkable construction of powerful volumes, embellished with metal tacks inserted in rows onto the raised elements that create a visual juxtaposition of forms and negative space; the nose turned slightly upwards with circular raised designs accenting the cheeks below the eyes; a fiber beard attached with metal tacks and a U-shaped metal inserted into top of head to unleash the intended spiritual function; small holes on upper right-hand forehead, above the left eye, on the left side near chin and on the right side of the nose going all the way through to the back side; dark brown patina with old encrustations indicative of significant age and traditional use.
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