An error has occurred while processing this page. The site administrator has been notified. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Lot 556
Description:
A Mende (Mendi) Carved and Painted Wood Helmut Mask, Sowo-wui, Sierra Leone, of hollowed domed form, the neck formed of two concentric rings or folds, supporting a minimized inset face, an exaggerated forehead, and an elaborate crested coiffure with ball-like ornamentation, highlighted overall with tin and nail decoration, retains fiber and rope collar, approx. height 35 1/2 in., suspended on a standard and plinth.
- Provenance: Provenance: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Note: The Mende are known for their smooth, black, helmet-shaped masks, called sowo-wui, which are used by the Sande society during female initiation rites. The masks reveal the Mende people's ideals of feminine beauty and power: the downcast eyes suggest mystery, calmness and thoughtfulness; the small, closed mouth shows spirituality and silence; the folds of fat surrounding the neck represent fertility, health and beauty; the tall elaborate coiffures represent social status; and the shiny "wet" surface gives one the impression that the mask has just surfaced out of the water from the spirit world. Reference: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.
Shipping Options
Accepted Forms of Payment:
September 12, 2009 10:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US
Neal Auction Company
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 0% and any applicable taxes and shipping.