Fang, Gabon, South Cameroon: a rare, large mask of the ‘Bikeghe’ type, representing a European.
Fang, Gabon, South Cameroon: a rare, large mask of the ‘Bikeghe’ type, representing a European.
This mask type ‘Bikeghe’ of the Fang is a stylistic development of the known, large, slender ‘Ngil masks’. The ‘Bikeghe’ type should represent a European (with moustache) and detect ‘evil sorcerers’ in its own mask dances. The large, long mask is carved of lightweight, light-coloured wood. Its front side is dyed: the hairstyle with crest, the heavy eyebrows above the round eyes, the relatively long nose and the mouth with the moustache are black-brown, whilst the rest of the face, to a great extent flat and recessed, is coated with numerous layers of white kaolin (mixed in water and applied). On the inner rear side of the mask an additional cavity for the face of the masked dancer has been carved out. A very rare piece with only minor, age-related damage to the coiffure. Otherwise no damage. Good usage patina at front and back.
Height: 57 cm; width: 24 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
French private collection. According to information of the owner, in the family since c. 1930.
Lit.:
‘Fang’ by Louis Perrois, ill. 58; ‘Ancestral Art of Gabon’ by Louis Perrois, ill. 34.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 3,000.-
Fang, Gabon, South Cameroon: a rare, large mask of the ‘Bikeghe’ type, representing a European.
This mask type ‘Bikeghe’ of the Fang is a stylistic development of the known, large, slender ‘Ngil masks’. The ‘Bikeghe’ type should represent a European (with moustache) and detect ‘evil sorcerers’ in its own mask dances. The large, long mask is carved of lightweight, light-coloured wood. Its front side is dyed: the hairstyle with crest, the heavy eyebrows above the round eyes, the relatively long nose and the mouth with the moustache are black-brown, whilst the rest of the face, to a great extent flat and recessed, is coated with numerous layers of white kaolin (mixed in water and applied). On the inner rear side of the mask an additional cavity for the face of the masked dancer has been carved out. A very rare piece with only minor, age-related damage to the coiffure. Otherwise no damage. Good usage patina at front and back.
Height: 57 cm; width: 24 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
French private collection. According to information of the owner, in the family since c. 1930.
Lit.:
‘Fang’ by Louis Perrois, ill. 58; ‘Ancestral Art of Gabon’ by Louis Perrois, ill. 34.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 20.02.2017 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 11.02. - 20.02.2017 |