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Description

Miniature Mask, "ma go"

Miniature mask, "ma go" Dan, Côte d'Ivoire Ohne Sockel / without base Wood. H 16.5 cm. Provenance: Gérald Minkoff (1937-2009) and Muriel Olesen (1948-2020), Geneva. Miniature masks known as ma go ("little head") are replicas of much larger, identically designed dance masks, with which spiritual contact could be made with the "mother mask" depicted. They belong to the personal possessions of initiated men and are kept in a special place in the house if they are not carried on the body or in a bag. The many names such as "passpartout", "passeport mask" or "travel mask" are due to the fact that the owner can identify himself as an initiate by showing the mask he carries with him, especially when traveling. The presentation of the insignia emphasized membership, rank and the right to be present at meetings and to have a say in deliberations. In addition, the artistically crafted hand flatterers were above all strength-giving and protective amulets that were supposed to keep away all dangers and illnesses. Further reading: Fischer, Eberhard / Himmelheber, Hans (1976). The art of Dan. Museum Rietberg: Zurich. ----------------------------------------------------- Gérald Minkoff and Muriel Olesen Muriel Minkoff-Olesen (1948- 2020) completed her training at the School of Design in Geneva. Gérald Minkoff (1937-2009) was a trained anthropologist and biologist. Both achieved fame as artists and from their meeting in 1967, the emblematic couple of contemporary art were inseparable. The travel-loving Olesen-Minkoff duo explored life like curious nomads, roaming the globe from Africa to Asia, Oceania, America and Patagonia. As artists and experienced collectors of contemporary art, they understandably had a keen sensitivity to the aesthetics and concepts of non-European art. The couple's Geneva apartment, perhaps their most beautiful joint work, thus became a place where the works of close friends such as Daniel Spoerri, Arman and Man Ray, as well as their own photographs, lived together with almost a thousand objects from Africa, Oceania, Asia and South America. CHF 800 / 1 200 Weight in grams: 43 Condition: The condition (any wear, signs of use, tears, any other deterioration and the signs of age, etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions ([email protected]). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.

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Miniature Mask, "ma go"

Estimate 800 - 1 200 CHF
Starting price 5 CHF

* Not including buyer’s premium.
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Sale fees: 26 %
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For sale on Saturday 29 Jun : 15:00 (CEST)
basel, Switzerland
Hammer Auktionen AG
+41444000220
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