Central or West Africa, mid–late 20th century
Carved wood, 24 × 15 × 12 cm
Excellent condition, sold with stand.
A carved wooden mask of elongated form, influenced by the sculptural traditions of the Dan peoples. Defined by its highly reduced form and quiet asymmetry, the mask possesses a remarkable economy - almost nothing is unnecessary.
Narrow lidded eyes, a projecting mouth and softened angular planes combine to create a form of striking psychological presence. The darkened surface bears the evidence of age and handling, revealing subtle variation in tone and texture across the wood and lending warmth to its naturally restrained palette.
Presented on its custom mount, the mask reads less as an ethnographic artefact than as an accomplished sculptural composition - an exploration of balance, proportion and expression through remarkably economical means. (One can understand how and why works like this fascinated avant garde artists of the early twentieth century). The measured relationship between convex and concave forms, together with the restrained modelling, gives the object an unexpected modernity.
Both architectural and deeply human in character, it holds space with unusual intensity and calm.
Central or West Africa, mid–late 20th century
Carved wood, 24 × 15 × 12 cm
Excellent condition, sold with stand.
A carved wooden mask of elongated form, influenced by the sculptural traditions of the Dan peoples. Defined by its highly reduced form and quiet asymmetry, the mask possesses a remarkable economy - almost nothing is unnecessary.
Narrow lidded eyes, a projecting mouth and softened angular planes combine to create a form of striking psychological presence. The darkened surface bears the evidence of age and handling, revealing subtle variation in tone and texture across the wood and lending warmth to its naturally restrained palette.
Presented on its custom mount, the mask reads less as an ethnographic artefact than as an accomplished sculptural composition - an exploration of balance, proportion and expression through remarkably economical means. (One can understand how and why works like this fascinated avant garde artists of the early twentieth century). The measured relationship between convex and concave forms, together with the restrained modelling, gives the object an unexpected modernity.
Both architectural and deeply human in character, it holds space with unusual intensity and calm.
