Nafana People, Ivory Coast: Badu Mask with a female form, early 20th century. Carved wood, decorated with a bold abstract design and colored with white kaolin clay and other pigments. The mask's edges are worn smooth and the overall patina gives a warm appearance.
Large masks of the Nafana appear in male/female pairs during ceremonies meant to cleanse a village of evil forces. Normally, the female mask is distinguished by a circular top section, while the male features horns.
Dimensions: 47.75H x 16.25W x 4D (inches)
Provenance: From the private collection of a Massachusetts Gentleman.
Large masks of the Nafana appear in male/female pairs during ceremonies meant to cleanse a village of evil forces. Normally, the female mask is distinguished by a circular top section, while the male features horns.
Dimensions: 47.75H x 16.25W x 4D (inches)
Provenance: From the private collection of a Massachusetts Gentleman.