We/Guere mask - Lot 21

We/Guere mask Ivory Coast Wood, metal, fabric, plant fibers, feathers, cowries H. 74 cm Provenance: Jacques de Vilmorin, Paris, France: - Jacques de Vilmorin, Paris, France - Pierre Harter Collection (1928-1991), Paris, France (auctioned June 21, 1995) - Sale Francois de Ricqlès, Paris, June 21, 1995, Primitive Arts. Pierre Harter Collection, lot 281 - Michel Gransard Collection, Antwerp, Belgium - Alain de Monbrison, Paris - Private Collection, France Important Wé mask featuring a stylized anthropomorphic face. Beneath a largely full costume and visored forehead, imposing eyes with plunging eyelids are highlighted with white pigments. A particularly large nose, covered in red paint, overlooks a large mouth opening onto two rows of teeth and a cloth tongue. A beautiful patina attests to the age and use of this mask. The mask's state of preservation, in particular the presence of a large part of its original costume, is remarkable. This powerful face exudes great expressivity.