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a black sculpture of a woman ' s head on a black standa close up of a sculpture of a head on a standa close up of a metal object on a white surfacea black sculpture of a woman ' s head on a stand
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49 - Mende helmet mask, Sierra Leone
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Estimate €1,500 - €2,000
Sale commission
Description
Mende helmet mask, Sierra Leone An elaborate headdress comprising complex braids, some of which are incised in relief, all surmounted by four buns; two side braids curving down beneath the ears to frame the face; eyebrows formed by four incisions; half-closed eyes; scarification at the corners of the eyes; and a small, slightly smiling mouth in relief. The whole exudes a ‘mysterious’ expression: one’s gaze when looking at this mask is directed not at the eyes but at the chin, through two openings provided for this purpose. Wood, black patina H. 42 cm – Diam. 24 cm Slot at the back Base Bibliography: Sandé, a secret women’s society in Sierra Leone and Liberia, by Christiane Kauer and Claude Michalak, Gourcuff Gradenico, 2022, reproduced on p. 113, fig. 6-19 A (small illustration at the bottom) and p. 114 (full page), fig. 6-19 A-B, and p. 169, fig. 6-19 A, B
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About the sale PRIMITIVE ARTS AND ASIAN ARTS
Auction location
Auction time 10/14/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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