Two West African Carved Ceremonial Masks

Cameroonian, Western Grassfields area, Oku style, possibly late 19th/early 20th century, one example with wide face, open mouth flanked by two tusks, downward curving central forehead horn, surmounted by three crouching animal figures, embellished with fiber and hair elements to form facial hair and "braids", shell and bundled twig hair accessories, carved element approximately 16-1/2 x 15 x 10 in.; other example with open mouth at lower edge, circular eyes and large nose, surmounted by three crouching animal figures, approximately 14-1/2 x 11-1/2 x 11-1/2 in.

Provenance: Property from a Private Collection Sold to Benefit The University of Georgia Foundation
Condition Report: surface dirt layer and accretion, scattered surface scratches, cracks, and chips throughout, wear consistent with age and use; example with hair with losses to teeth, large separation verso reinforced with fiber ties, some losses to hair and hair accessories; wood only example with scattered small holes/pest damage throughout