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African Tribal Art - Mende Bundu Mask

Name: African Tribal Art - Mende Bundu Mask
Brand: Antikeo
SKU: DG3Q3D2P5F
Price: 650 EUR
Availability: InStock

By Gallery Essentiel

650 €

Period 20th century

Style Tribal Art

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From: 7333, Tertre, Belgium

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Item offered for sale by

Essentiel Galerie

7333 Tertre

Display phone number +32 65 52 91 00

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Description

This description has been translated and may not be completely accurate. Click here to see the original

Ex-private Belgian Mercier collection.

In African Mende art, Sowei masks embody aquatic spirits. The Mende, Vaï and Gola cultures, present in Sierra Leone, Liberia and on the west coast of Guinea, are recognized for their helmet masks used as part of the Sandé female initiation society. This society prepares young girls for marriage, while its male equivalent is the Poro society. What is rather rare in sub-Saharan Africa is that these masks are designed by men but worn by women.
At the end of the rituals, a "spirit" appears, wearing this mask decorated with long raffia fibers, waving a whip to chase away malicious spirits and sorcerers.

The tribal art collection comes from Guy Mercier, a consultant for the Solvay group, who began his collection in the early 20th century. During his work in West and Central Africa, he acquired works there. However, the bulk of his collection came from the "curiosity cabinets" that were popular in European capitals during the 1920s. Additionally, he acquired pieces from prestigious galleries in Paris, Brussels, London and New York. This collection was then entrusted to Mr. Jean Charles Mercier, the grandson of Guy Mercier.

Item accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
PS: what does the certificate of authenticity consist of? https://www.galerie-art-africain.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

PLEASE NOTE THE PRICE OF TRANSPORT INCLUDES LOSS, THEFT AND BROKENAGE INSURANCE.

Ref: DG3Q3D2P5F

Additional Information

Condition	As is
Ethnic group	Mende
Style	Tribal Art (African Masks of Tribal Art Style)
Period	20th century (African Masks 20th century)
Country of origin	Liberia
Width (cm)	24
Height (cm)	34
Materials	Wood
Internal reference	PA26