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African Tricolor Wall Mask

About the Item

This mural mask takes the form of a stylized figure, possibly reflecting a dialogue between ritual function and aesthetic research. Carved in wood, its oblong shape evokes the verticality of a human face, while two arched horns reach for the sky, probably symbols of power or spiritual elevation. These horns, polished by the passage of time, contrast with the rougher surfaces of the main structure, giving the whole a tension between softness and raw material. The face, reduced to pure geometries, is crafted with deliberate variation in textures and elements, adding depth to its simplicity. The eyelids, engraved with motifs evoking scales, cover closed or half-closed eyes, suggesting an inward-looking, meditative and mysterious gaze. The nose, sculpted in a single piece, imposes itself as a central axis, a spine that lends the piece a structural, almost architectural strength. The mouth, absent, gives way to silence. It is covered by a dark fabric, comparable to a mesh, evoking a transition zone between the face and the tangible world, like a symbolic frontier. The sober tones - black, brown and whitish shades - anchor this mask in a timeless aesthetic, imbued with gravity. Part of the history of African masks, this type of creation was often intended to embody spirits or channel supernatural forces as part of ritual or social ceremonies. Horns, recurring motifs in the iconography of many West African peoples, frequently refer to sacred animals or qualities such as fertility and strength. However, certain details, such as the precision of the finishes and the apparent standardization of the shapes, could suggest a contemporary reinterpretation.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
  • Style:
    Primitive (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood
  • Place of Origin:
    Kenya
  • Period:
    Late 20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Pasadena, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU825843126702

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