Description:
Carved from heavy, dense wood, on offer from our personal collection is this exceptional helmet mask with superstructures from the Dogon peoples of Mali.
A massive piece, many classic characteristics of Dogon sculpture enhance this remarkable carving, including the "arrow"-shaped noses of all the faces represented. 3 kneeling nommo figures, symbolizing ancestral spirits, form a crown atop the mask. The middle & largest of the 3 nommos bears male & female attributes with its beard & breasts, & incised scarifications are found on its torso. Carved in relief, a triangular motif accents the edge around the large, deep-set face of the mask, as well as the reticulated horn-like protrusion that extends from the brow to the tubular, open mouth. Attachment holes perforate the back rim of the mask.
Despite some imperfections in the wood, including an old chip from the bottom right corner of the mask & dry age cracks, this extraordinary piece is in good overall condition. Marvelous patina. A particularly powerful display.
