African Carved Wood Mask

18"L

Carved wood mask of elongated form, the face with a high domed three-lobed crest coiffure above a broad brow, narrow pierced eyes, slender ridged nose and projecting pointed chin, flanked by pointed lateral projections; dark brown-black surface with ochre-toned wear to the raised edges. The reverse is hollowed as a deep rectangular channel running nearly the full length, adze-worked and unfinished, consistent with mounting on a post or armature rather than being worn.

Condition: Good. Lengthwise split along the central ridge of the hollowed reverse, appearing stable, with associated hairline checks to the crest. Scattered chipping and small losses to the rim of the reverse cavity at the lower end and to the tips of the lateral projections, exposing lighter raw wood. Overall rubbing and abrasion to the dark surface at the high points — crest, brow, nose and chin. Light dust and whitish residue in the recesses. Later hanging hardware at the top of the reverse: a drilled hole with orange cord and a green wire tie. No maker's marks, labels or inscriptions observed.