Spring Discovery Sale
By 500 Gallery
Apr 5, 2023
1243 Pond Street, Franklin. MA 02038, United States
African tribal sculptures and masks from the late 1800's through the mid 20th century. Rare masterpiece examples of Bangwa, Dogon, Baule, Ibibio, Yoruba, Bakongo and Senufo art gathered over the past decades. The selection is from the private collection of Massachusetts Gentlemen.
The auction has ended

LOT 4:

Bete Gre Mask w/Bells and Beads

catalog
  Previous item
Next item 

Start price:
$ 400
Estimated price :
$800 - $1,200
Buyer's Premium: 35%
05/04/2023 at 500 Gallery
tags:

Bete Gre Mask w/Bells and Beads
African Tribal Art: Bete people, Cote d'Ivoire, Africa: Anthropomorphic Gre mask, its strong abstracted facial features are adorned with a beard of bells and beads. Brown/black patina, hand carved wood, Late 19th/early 20th century. The mask comes with a custom-made wood and steel display stand.

The people who wear the masks are viewed as protective agents that represent the spiritual forces. Gre masks are known for their distorted features like facial protuberances, horned heads, bulging forehead, and tubular eyes. They are designed to provoke terror through embodying wild animals. This mask, based on a human face, also has the tusks of a wild boar.

In masked dance performances, emphasis on a an animals strength and ferocity are evoked, giving the masked dancer power to expel evil forces and disease.

This piece will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

13.5H x 10W x 5D, 21H on stand (inches).

Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York


Condition: Good condition with evidence of use and age.

NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions prior to bidding. Color fidelity of photos presented is not guaranteed. Lack of a condition statement does not imply that a lot is perfect. Please examine photos, read descriptions, and contact the Gallery with any questions prior to bidding. All sales are final. Winning bidders will be sent invoices from our gallery. Credit cards are accepted for invoices under $1000. Higher amounts must be paid by e-check or wire transfer.

https://youtu.be/BMPW4Dw0anM

catalog
  Previous item
Next item