Information
Wood with a thick crusty patina, magical substances, support iron, indigenous fabric
H 18 cm
Divination mask.
Miniature divination mask used as a repository for the spirits of the larger masks, no longer used. A repository closed with jute fabric and cowries, containing magic substances was placed on the back. A long iron piece under the chin was used to stick the mask into the ground for use during divination rituals. A long indigenous fabric envelops the mask.
H 18 cm
Divination mask.
Miniature divination mask used as a repository for the spirits of the larger masks, no longer used. A repository closed with jute fabric and cowries, containing magic substances was placed on the back. A long iron piece under the chin was used to stick the mask into the ground for use during divination rituals. A long indigenous fabric envelops the mask.
Provenance
- George F. Keller antique collection (Bern) (Inv. G.F.K. 113);
- Former Paolo Morigi collection (Lugano);
- Former private collection (Lugano);
- Former Paolo Morigi collection (Lugano);
- Former private collection (Lugano);
Exhibition
- Bern 1980, Musée des Beaux Arts;
- Lugano 2002, Palazzo Riva, Banca Svizzera Italiana (BSI);
- Lugano 2002, Palazzo Riva, Banca Svizzera Italiana (BSI);
Literature
Reproduced in:
- MORIGI PAOLO “Raccolta di un amatore d’arte primitiva”, Magliaso, Lugano & Kunstmuseum Bern, Switzerland 1980, fig. 48, page 72;
- VENTURI LUCA M. “Anime antiche, arte negra, da una raccolta di sculture dell’Africa occidentale” BSI Bank, Lugano 2002, fig. 85;
- MORIGI PAOLO “Raccolta di un amatore d’arte primitiva”, Magliaso, Lugano & Kunstmuseum Bern, Switzerland 1980, fig. 48, page 72;
- VENTURI LUCA M. “Anime antiche, arte negra, da una raccolta di sculture dell’Africa occidentale” BSI Bank, Lugano 2002, fig. 85;
Condition report
To request a Condition Report, please contact arteafricana@finarte.it
The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers.
We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.