Lot 148: A rare and unusual Burkinabe helmet mask

A rare and unusual Burkinabe helmet mask, Lyelya; Gobapinji Village; Burkina Faso

Of unusual form, the mask with crested bun, and face in the form of deep concave recess with raised nose and inset eyes made from glass, the mouth carved beneath the facial concavity with toothy mouth. Ears jutting to the sides with the sides and back of the mask pigmented white with some blue tones. The back with darkened vertical rib. Original fiber collar. Fine old patina and a very rare and unusual piece. H. 13" (excluding attachments)

According to notes found by the family, the mask was collected in the village of Gobapinji among a people known as the Lyela (Probably Lyela or Lele) in 1966.

Comments:
Property from a New York Estate

Provenance:
Alfred Schienberg, 1971, The Gallery of African Art. NY

Price Realized: $1,100

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