Lot 177: A fine Northern Bassa facemask

A fine Northern Bassa facemask, Bassa; Liberia

The mask naturalistically carved with elaborate ridged coif with tips once holding metal or other insects, the brow rounded and the eyes as crescents beneath, the nose wedge-shaped and the mouth with naturalistic lips. Fine old patina inside and out. H. 9"

The masks of the Northern Bassa, unlike the Bassa to the South, are carved as full face masks, while the Southern and Central Bassa carve masks that are meant to be worn on a wicker framework on the dancer's head.

Comments:
Property of a New York Private Collector

Provenance:
Field collected by Charles D. Miller III, outside of Tapi Town, C. 1970's.

Estimate: $2,200 - $3,200

Arrange to Bid

Share or Email This Lot

View all African Lots in this Auction

View all Lots in the Fine African, Oceanic and Native American Art Auction