Widekum, Cameroon: a rare, large, black helmet mask, covered with leather.
A large, rare helmet mask of the Widekum, who live to the west of the grasslands in Cameroon and along the upper Cross River, on the border of Nigeria. This type is the only mask type of the Widekum. It is called ‘Agwe mask’ and represents an unpredictable spirit creature.
It is carved from light-coloured wood, and the exterior is completely covered with black-dyed leather. The mask displays a helmet with central crest, has outlined eyes, protruding ears and three, knob-like decorative scarification marks on each of its temples. The nose is short and slightly curved. The open mouth reveals two set-in rows of teeth. There are some tears to the leather covering at the back. Otherwise no damage. An object with very good, old usage patina at the back on the inside.
Height: 42 cm; width: 28 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
German private collection; currently: Austrian private collection.
Lit.:
‘Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture’ by K.-F. Schädler, ill. p. 610.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 2,000.-
Widekum, Cameroon: a rare, large, black helmet mask, covered with leather.
A large, rare helmet mask of the Widekum, who live to the west of the grasslands in Cameroon and along the upper Cross River, on the border of Nigeria. This type is the only mask type of the Widekum. It is called ‘Agwe mask’ and represents an unpredictable spirit creature.
It is carved from light-coloured wood, and the exterior is completely covered with black-dyed leather. The mask displays a helmet with central crest, has outlined eyes, protruding ears and three, knob-like decorative scarification marks on each of its temples. The nose is short and slightly curved. The open mouth reveals two set-in rows of teeth. There are some tears to the leather covering at the back. Otherwise no damage. An object with very good, old usage patina at the back on the inside.
Height: 42 cm; width: 28 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
German private collection; currently: Austrian private collection.
Lit.:
‘Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture’ by K.-F. Schädler, ill. p. 610.
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 |