A Monumental Wurkun Shoulder Mask
Nigeria, 196 cm high. Little is known about these large masks from the South Benue region. Often called shoulder masks but probably worn on the head without eyeholes, hiding the dancer. A 1925 account of a ceremony witnessed by a missionary, (C. W. Guinter) describes the festival, taking place over several days, in which these tall masks were used. He suggested a dual function of both mask and statuary, that the works were visual embodiments of the spirits that were referred to. These spirits were powerful and capricious and caused harm if not treated properly. Their power was harnessed for protection and well-being of the community. The wood was chosen from trees they believed could 'walk in the night' and are themselves inhabited by a spirit.
Provenance:
Christophe Evers Collection, Brussels.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
13.10.2022 - 15:55
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 5,120.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 6,000.- to EUR 8,000.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 4,000.-
A Monumental Wurkun Shoulder Mask
Nigeria, 196 cm high. Little is known about these large masks from the South Benue region. Often called shoulder masks but probably worn on the head without eyeholes, hiding the dancer. A 1925 account of a ceremony witnessed by a missionary, (C. W. Guinter) describes the festival, taking place over several days, in which these tall masks were used. He suggested a dual function of both mask and statuary, that the works were visual embodiments of the spirits that were referred to. These spirits were powerful and capricious and caused harm if not treated properly. Their power was harnessed for protection and well-being of the community. The wood was chosen from trees they believed could 'walk in the night' and are themselves inhabited by a spirit.
Provenance:
Christophe Evers Collection, Brussels.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Online auction |
| Date: | 13.10.2022 - 15:55 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 06.10. - 13.10. 2022 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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