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3 - A beautiful, antique okumyi-style mask known throughout southern Gabon. It exemplifies one of the most elegant expressions of Gabon’s sculptural tradition. It is distinguished by the balance of its proportions and the refinement of its headdress, consisting of a large double central shell framed by fine side braids. The contrast between the generous volume of the headdress and the delicate modeling of the face attests to great sculptural mastery.
Starting price
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Estimation
€1,500 - 2,000Sale fees
A beautiful, antique okumyi-style mask known throughout southern Gabon. It exemplifies one of the most elegant expressions of Gabon’s sculptural tradition. It is distinguished by the balance of its proportions and the refinement of its headdress, consisting of a large double central shell framed by fine side braids. The contrast between the generous volume of the headdress and the delicate modeling of the face attests to great sculptural mastery. Devoid of scarification marks, the face displays remarkably soft features. Beneath a delicately arched brow, the half-closed, coffee-bean-shaped eyes are highlighted by slender eyebrows. The nose, with its subtly modeled wings, and the small mouth with its pursed lips, forming a characteristic pout, contribute to the serene and introspective expression of the whole. According to Louis Perrois, masks without scarification marks, such as this one, represented a male face (in *Ancestral Art of Gabon in the Collections of the Barbier-Mueller Museum*, 1985, p. 206). In profile, the headdress elegantly frames the forehead, accentuating the mask’s majestic silhouette. This arrangement came into its own during ceremonies, when the dancer, perched on high stilts, moved the mask while tilting it forward. Through the purity of its lines, the finesse of its craftsmanship, and the harmony of its forms, this work fully exemplifies the aesthetic qualities of the great tradition of Okuyi masks. Punu, Gabon Wood, traces of kaolin and pigments; visible wear and age marks; a beautiful, well-worn patina; on the reverse, remnants of old fasteners and an old label bearing the number “55.” Height: 33 cm
Auction details
The Anne and Arsène Bonafous-Murat Collection - Part IIIAuction house
Ader +33 1 53 40 77 10 contact@ader-paris.frDelivery is optional. You can use the carrier of your choice. The stated price does not include the lot price or the auction house fees.