2456 - Large Horned African Mask

Large Horned African Mask Probably West Africa. Wood, partially whitewashed, polychrome, height with/without base: 150/103 cm. The elongated head, with an openwork central section and comb-like, staggered openings, evokes spiritual energy and the connection between the earthly and spiritual worlds. The towering, curved horns symbolize growth, fertility, and the dynamism of farm work. Geometrically simplified elements on the sides frame the face and enhance the mask’s architectural effect. Traces of the original paint in earthy shades of white, ochre, and brown, as well as remnants of the whitewashed surface, remain. The clearly visible patina of age, signs of wear, and minor chips attest to its authentic use in a ceremonial context.