Anthropo-zoomorphic mask - Lot 38

Anthropo-zoomorphic mask Djimini culture, Ivory Coast Hardwood with beautiful brown patina, brass, milking nails H. 33.5 cm Provenance : - Private collection, Paris The Djimini people are one of the oldest in Côte d'Ivoire. Senufo-speaking, they share with the rest of the group animistic beliefs and initiation rites that take place in the heart of sacred woods. Their masks are also structurally quite similar, as shown here by the presence of horns and peduncles surrounding the human face. However, they invented their own particular style, still identifiable by the size of the horns on the top of the face, and the lack of protuberance of the face with its straight nose and large, perfectly defined eyes. The curvature of the buffalo horns adorning his headdress is perfect. The whole piece has a superb patina of use, testifying to its great age, and a rich symmetrical decoration of milking nails and brass. Sold without base.