African Wooden and Embossed Copper Sculpture from Ignoto, 1800s

Details

Description

Item :
Wonderful ethnic sculpture, African tribal mask of a warrior, hand-carved solid wood, covered in embossed copper, dating from … Read more Item :
Wonderful ethnic sculpture, African tribal mask of a warrior, hand-carved solid wood, covered in embossed copper, dating from the late 19th century, African art.

Useful information for evaluating the object:
The value of this object cannot be precisely defined nor its precise geographical origin, but it is certainly a rare and ancient object. In the last photo there are several similar masks offered online at very high prices, to give an idea of ​​the value of objects of this type.

Final thoughts on the object:
The patina that covers the object is wonderful and has darkened the copper and wood on the back in several places. The copper roofing is beautiful, entirely hand-embossed and enriched with small fretwork, a work of the highest quality. African masks, hand-carved like this one, have over time had an essentially ritual and ceremonial function that is very important in the traditions of the peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa, and even if the symbolic implications associated with each mask vary greatly, there are some common traits to almost all African cultures. The person who wears a ritual mask conceptually loses his or her human essence and transforms into the spirit represented by the mask itself. Whoever wears the mask (usually elderly or prestigious members of the community) becomes a sort of medium who allows dialogue with the spirits. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
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