Mende Helmet Mask

Carved Helmut masks of this type were made by the Sande society of the Mende people of Sierra Leone, Africa for use in masquerades by young women in initi...

This striking brass plaque depicts Virabhadra, a personification of the god Shiva, created by him to fight in his quarrel with Daksha. Here with 4 arms and hands, Virabhadra holds a ...

This brass mustachioed head with incised hair in a tight bun was intended to cover a sacred lingam, a symbol of the energy of God, worshipped throughout India. This fine example is f...

Durga is a warrior goddess in the Hindu culture, she is the protector of the good depicted here multi-armed with a sword, a trident, the wheel and a jewel in her hands. She is flanke...

This serene Jain altarpiece of the enthroned and unclothed Buddha with numerous attendant figures including elephants is characteristic of Jain bronzes fro...

This bronze standing Buddha mounted on a turned wood base has his right palm held outward in the abhaya mudra position, a gesture of fearlessness and reassurance.

This helmet mask created by the Mende people of Sierra Leone was made for the women of their tribe to wear while dancing. Commissioned by women for their ...

Blacked wood helmet mask (Gelede), large human head surmounted by a dog eating a snake which curves around the head. No perforation for attachment to costume from Yoruba, Nigeria. Pu...

A scarce antique African tribal carved Hemba helmet mask, the Suku peoples, possibly Kwese culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa, early 20th century, surmounted by four-legged animal, over round face, with mouth ajar and incised jagged teeth exposed, protruding almond shaped eyes, scattered remnants of pigment, full raffia fiber fringe, mounted on wood stand. A superb museum quality example, this remarkable tribal folk art sculpture is a wonderful way to add rustic warmth, rich historical depth, and fascinating cultural interest to any space! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 26" High, 9" Wide, 10.25" Deep; Mask only: 15" Tall; 7 lbs total Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Excellent Condition: Nicely aged distressed patina over the whole. Highly desirable wear consistent with age and indicative of use, including scattered losses, antique character marks and typical signs of aging throughout. Retaining scattered remnants of original pigment. Overall a superb museum quality example Primitive Arts Of Africa: Among the Suku of the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, masks plays crucial role in protecting boys during initiation, the vulnerable period between boyhood and manhood. The power contained in Hemba masks...

Powerful Scarified Makonde portrait helmet mask from Tanzania. Early 20th century with heavy dark patina from traditional tribal use, wear inside from being used. Finely carved featu...

Powerful portrait of a Makonde man with a traditional lip plug in his upper lip, high carved cheek bones in the form of a finely carved helmet mask, with attached hair on top from Ta...

Striking Makonde animal helmet mask, dog or hyena, Tanzania. Early 20th century with dark patina from traditional tribal use, wear inside from being used. Finely carved features, wit...