Mask - Gilded Bronze - du DO - Senufo - Ivory Coast

FUNCTION: Ceremonial mask related to the cult of the ancestors, also used for funerals following the death of an initiate. POPULATION: Senufo from Ivory Coast, region of Korhogo. MATERIAL: Solid bronze, cire perdue (lost wax) casting, usual patina. DIMENSIONS: 36 cm. STATE OF PRESERVATION: solid material, hence, it is well-preserved, the gilding is somewhat worn because of its antiquity, but it can be cleansed, without break nor practised restoration. DESCRIPTION: of an oval shape, with a head decoration depicting a Hornbill, symbol of wisdom among the Senufo, the face is perfectly represented, with a long thin nose, wide open eyes, and a thin, half-open mouth. PROVENANCE: former private French collection, Keita Gallery in the “Village des Antiquaires de la gare d’Isles sur Sorgues” where the piece is visible during the auction. Careful shipment via registered express parcel (Colissimo) , including a certificate with a picture and the abovementioned description.