DuMouchelles
Live Auction

May 2024: Day Two

Fri, May 17, 2024 11:00AM EDT
Lot 1342

Nigeria, Igbo Peoples, Carved Wood, Maiden Spirit Mask (Agbogho Mmwo) Ca. 20th Century, H 15" W 9"

Estimate: $200 - $300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$400 $50
$900 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000
Mask has crested hair style, with each crest terminating in small sphere. Two twists form a 'V' shape on either side of the head. Four sets of concentric circles decorate each side of the head. Vertical scarification mark along center of the forehead. White pigment on face, possibly kaolin. Maiden spirit masks are worn by men at festivals that honor important deities, as well as representing the Igbo ideal of female beauty: small, balanced features, elaborate hairstyles, and delicate tattoos. Men who perform agbogho mmwo masks wear colorful, tight-fitting fiber costumes, entertaining the crowd with exaggerated versions of traditional women's dances. Provenance: Property from a Bloomfield Hills, MI private collector.

Condition

Some losses to white pigment across face. Major loss of darker pigment on rest of mask. | Please note all lots show signs of wear commensurate with age and use, and the lack of a statement regarding condition does not imply the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from defects or the effects of aging. Unless otherwise stated, all information provided is the opinion of DuMouchelles' specialists. Should you have any specific questions regarding the condition of this lot, please use the “Request Condition Report” or “Ask a Question” buttons or email conditions@dumoart.com.

All Shipping is Arranged and Costs Paid by Purchaser

Prospective bidders are encouraged to contact their shippers for packing and transport quotes prior to bidding, and should be aware that these costs may include fees for pick-up, materials, packing, insurance and transport.

Please find a list of shippers with whom customers have had positive experiences with in the past on our website at https://www.dumoart.com/shippers.

Shipping Conditions:

Shipping arrangements are the buyer’s responsibility and expense.   If needed, we have a list of shippers you can evaluate on our website.  We encourage you to get an estimate of shipping costs prior to bidding.  We also require your approval to release property to any third party. Buyer agrees that packing and handling of purchased lots by DuMouchelles employees are undertaken solely as a courtesy for the convenience of the buyers, and DuMouchelles is not responsible for damage or breakage which may occur during packing and handling and shipping by DuMouchelles or of other carriers or packers of purchased lots, whether or not recommended by DuMouchelles.   Packing and handling of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the buyer.  In the case of fragile items, DuMouchelles in their sole discretion may decline to pack the items.

Property from a Bloomfield Hills, MI private collector.