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THBAfrican Gre Bete Carved Wood Mask
About Seller
522 South Pineapple Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
United States
Sarasota Estate Auction specializes in a wide variety of furniture, antiques, fine art, lighting, sculptures, and collectibles. Andrew Ford, owner and operator of the company, has a passion for finding the best pieces of art and antiques and sharing those finds with the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
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| $100,000 | $5,000 |
| $250,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
LiveJun 8, 2025
Over 900 lots will be offered in day 2 of our 2 day auction weekend! There are multiple lots of important fine art from landscapes and etchings to old masters and portraits. We have a Fantastic Rare 1890s Russian Faberge Imperial Desk Clock, Oriental Rugs, Sterling Silver, Rare Books, Old Master Paintings, Asian Antiquities, and more! Sarasota Estate Auction sarasotaestateauction@gmail.com
View Full Catalog (953)
- Lot Description
African Gre Bete Carved Wood Mask. African gre mask by the Bete tribe, depicting a forest spirit. A complex and unique piece of art, notable for its abstract and almost alien appearance. Carved from wood and mounted on a stand, it features a dramatic composition of thick, looping forms that project outward like tentacles or serpentine appendages, each adorned with textured nodules. The surface shows a mottled patina of aged white and earthy tones, suggesting ceremonial use and significant age. Its aggressive geometry and raw presence exemplify the mask’s intended function: to intimidate, protect, and channel spiritual power in rituals of justice, warfare, and ancestral veneration.
The Bété people of southwestern Côte d’Ivoire are renowned for their distinctive Gre (or N’gre) masks, which serve both spiritual and social functions. These masks are characterized by exaggerated features such as protruding foreheads, tubular eyes, and horn-like extensions, designed to embody the formidable forces of the forest and instill fear. Traditionally, Gre masks were employed in ceremonies to restore peace after conflicts, preside over customary justice sessions, and prepare warriors for battle by providing magical protection and intimidating adversaries. In contemporary times, they continue to feature in various ceremonies, including entertainment dances and funerals, reflecting the Bété's enduring cultural heritage.
Size: 14 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 32 in.
- Shipping Info
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SHIPPING INFORMATION·
Sarasota Estate Auction IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING! BUYER MUST ARRANGE SHIPPING. All shipping will be handled by the winning bidder. Sarasota Estate Auction recommends obtaining shipping quotes before bidding on any items in our auctions. To obtain a quote, please email info@premiershipment.com. Be sure to include the lot you are interested in and address you would like the quote for. Refunds are not offered under any circumstances base on shipping issues, this is up to the buyer to arrange this beforehand.
BIDDER MUST ARRANGE THEIR OWN SHIPPING. Although SEA will NOT arrange shipping for you, we do recommend our preferred shipper Premier Shipping & Crating at info@premiershipment.com You MUST email them, please DO NOT CALLl. If you'd like to compare shipping quotes or need more options, feel free to contact any local Sarasota shippers. You can email any one of the shippers below as well. Be sure to include the lot(s) you won and address you would like it shipped to. Brennan with The UPS Store #0089 - 941-413-5998 - Store0089@theupsstore.com AK with The UPS Store #2689 - 941-954-4575 - Store2689@theupsstore.com Steve with The UPS Store #4074 - 941-358-7022 - Store4074@theupsstore.com Everett with PakMail - 941-751-2070 - paktara266@gmail.com
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- Payment & Auction Policies
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Available payment options
We accept all major credit cards, wire transfers, money orders, checks and PayPal. Please give us a call at (941) 359-8700 or email us at SarasotaEstateAuction@gmail.com to take care of your payments.
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- Size
14 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 32 in.
