Description
A loom pulley stirrup bearing a mask. Adorned with ancient incised geometric motifs that are still visible despite handling that has partially erased them, and with sculpted scarification marks well in relief on the neck, this pulley stirrup is adorned with a mask and not a head. Its forward projection and size at the back attest to the fact that it is indeed a mask in a very fine old style, with a stylized heart-shaped face, that is carved on this stirrup, a figure of style of Baule sculptors. Suggesting the idea of a mask worn by this stirrup bust, the magic of the sculpture is further enhanced. Baule, Ivory Coast Wood, iron (nails) and cotton scraps, cracks, visible old breaks and chips, visible native restorations, very fine old patina from use H. 22.5 cm Provenance : Jean Roudillon Collection Exhibition : Die Kunst von Schwarz-Afrika, Kunsthaus Zürich, October 31, 1970 to January 17, 1971, listed p. 376 no. G50 in the catalog (exhibited but not reproduced).
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A loom pulley stirrup bearing a mask. Adorned with ancient incised geometric motifs that are still visible despite handling that has partially erased them, and with sculpted scarification marks well in relief on the neck, this pulley stirrup is adorned with a mask and not a head. Its forward projection and size at the back attest to the fact that it is indeed a mask in a very fine old style, with a stylized heart-shaped face, that is carved on this stirrup, a figure of style of Baule sculptors. Suggesting the idea of a mask worn by this stirrup bust, the magic of the sculpture is further enhanced. Baule, Ivory Coast Wood, iron (nails) and cotton scraps, cracks, visible old breaks and chips, visible native restorations, very fine old patina from use H. 22.5 cm Provenance : Jean Roudillon Collection Exhibition : Die Kunst von Schwarz-Afrika, Kunsthaus Zürich, October 31, 1970 to January 17, 1971, listed p. 376 no. G50 in the catalog (exhibited but not reproduced).
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