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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Anyi, Attye, Lagoons Region : Lagoons Region Bronze Mask
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Lagoons Region Bronze Mask - PF.4988
Origin: Eastern Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
9.75" (24.8cm) high
x 5.75" (14.6cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Lagoons Region
Medium: Bronze
Location: UAE
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| Description |
As with most African people masks were and are
made to be used in dance rituals. Unlike many
other tribes, masks from the Lagoons region do
not represent ancestors; though they are worn
exclusively by men. One of the major types of
masks are those made for the gba gba dance
performed at funerals of women during the
harvest season. These masks celebrate beauty,
and are thus noted for their refined features. The
features of this very beautiful mask are basically
simple; the eyes are thin slits with heavy eyelids,
which gives a meditative expression. The almond
shaped mouth is slightly raised by the curving of
the lips. A beard joined at the bottom is
comprised of five separately braided strands,
adding a textural element to the smooth surface
of the face. Subtle scarification in the form of
four short vertical bands is seen on either side of
the forehead. The brilliance of this mask is its
combination of masculine and feminine elements
blended in perfect harmony. It projects a sense
of lightness from hard metal, of spirituality from
flesh, of a real human being experiencing a bliss
of an enlightened moment, touched by
something divine in a gentle whisper.
- (PF.4988)
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