African & Aboriginal

Mende Helmet Mask (Sowei Mask) , Liberia, Sierra Leone

artkabinett art posted by lourdes cremata

Material/Medium:

Wood

Size:

Approximately 20"

Personal Notes About This Work:

Mid 20th century.Though many works of art have come out of the Guinea Coast region of West Africa few have as much prominence as the masks worn by the women of the Sande society.

Igbo Maiden Spirit Mmwo Mask, Southern Nigeria

Material/Medium:

Wood and pigments

Size:

Approximately 36" tall

Personal Notes About This Work:

Second half of 20th century. This type of mask, of refined traits and with a high crested headdress, represents the spirit of a young woman (agbogho monnwu), and is called ikorodo.

Chokwe, Angola / DR of Congo

Material/Medium:

Wood, cowrie shells and fabric.

Size:

Approximately 12"

Personal Notes About This Work:

Second half of 20th century. A great dramatic piece.

Baule, Cote D'ivoire

Material/Medium:

Wood and pigments

Size:

Approximately 12"

Personal Notes About This Work:

Mid 20th century.This is a fine example of the Baule’s refined sculpture style in mask making.

Senufo Kalao Bird Headdress, Cote D'ivoire

Material/Medium:

Wood, metal, cowrie shells, natural fiber basket.

Size:

Approximately 18' tall

Personal Notes About This Work:

Mid 20th century.

Chokwe Mwna Pwo Mask, Angola / DR of Congo

Material/Medium:

Wood, hairdo from braided plant fibres.

Size:

Approximately 12"

Personal Notes About This Work:

Second half of the 20th century. This object depicts a female face with resting features and carefully carved scar tattoos. This type of mask corresponds to the female beauty ideal of the Chokwe.

Igbo Obodo Enyi Izi Elephant Headcrest, Nigeria

Material/Medium:

Wood and pigments

Size:

approximately 24" long

Personal Notes About This Work:

Mid 20th century. This type of masks known as Obodo Enyi Izi Headcrest, coming from a small sub-group of the Igbo in the Izi area in Nigeria, have become famous and eagerly sought-after.