African Bambara Wood Female Antelope Helmet Mask

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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• Lot Description
  West Africa, Mali / Burkina Faso, Bambara (Bamana) / Marka culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A striking head crest mask carved from wood and adorned with attached brass panels. This large, anthropomorphic head combines human and antelope features, with a gracefully curved neck rising above a domed helmet form designed to sit atop the wearer's head. A series of holes around the rim would have once secured the mask to a full costume or raffia tassels. This mask was traditionally danced in male-female pairs; this example represents the female, as indicated by the carved breasts on the front. Flanking the sides are a pair of seated female figures, further emphasizing its feminine identity. The masking traditions of the Marka are closely aligned with those of their Bamana neighbors. In both cultures, the use of copper, brass, or other metal sheeting not only embellishes the surface but also conveys wealth, prestige, and social status. Size: 13" W x 38.25" H (33 cm x 97.2 cm)
  
  Provenance: private Louisville, Kentucky, USA collection, acquired 1990-1998
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
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  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193733

  Condition

  Old inactive insect activity with bore holes and grooves, chips and abrasions. Deep pressure fissure on the right side. Patina and oxidation to the brass panels and iron rivet nails.
• Shipping Info

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