A reserve price is the minimum price the seller will accept. This price is hidden from bidders. To win, a bidder must have the highest bid and have met or exceeded the reserve price.
An Important Dan Guere Ngere WE Terror Mask Antique African Masque Tribal Sculpture Liberia
Important Dan Wobe Guere Ngere We Terror Mask - Iron Teeth, Bells, Human Hair Antique African Art - Tribal Sculpture - Forest Spirit - Liberia to Cote d'Ivoire
Collected from the: We Guere peoples of Liberia to the southwestern region of Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa Material: Hardwood, human hair, iron teeth, brass bronze and iron bells, fiber, woven cloth, pigment, encrusted sacrificial libations, skin oil Estimated Period: Very early 20th century, conservatively Dimensions: 18.25" height, 5.5" width, 6" depth; weight is 3.85 pounds Condition: Magnificent! This authentic, true museum quality specimen hails from a prestigious private Parisian collection. No damage or repair, exquisite signs of age and authentic wear from extensive tribal use; exposed wood displays significant patination. Single top front tooth was lost to time or use judging by the consistent patination present at the area. All applied materials remain securely attached and firmly anchored in place. Make special note of the braided human hair attached at forelock, both ears, and curled mustache. Encrustation suggest layers of sacrificial libations, beautifully burnished patina with skin oil residue along high points, interior and back rim indicative of extensive tribal performance and frequent handling - dramatic expression on this stunning old spirit!
Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this remarkable old masque!
And be sure to see the fascinating AFRICAN MASKS in our eBay store!
We Guere Ngere Wobe Tribal History The We, whose name means "men who easily forgive", are also referred to as the Guere, Gwere, Gere-Wobe and Ngere, inhabit the southwestern region of Cote d'Ivoire. Their culture is related to that of the Dan, sharing numerous customs and beliefs. Confederations govern the tribes - the largest is the warrior confederation which is led by a military chief who also acts as a civil authority. The family unit plays an important role in We social life, each is led by a patriarch, revered for his wisdom and wealth, who supervises the clan's life, organized weddings, settled conflicts and influenced religious life. The We gained a great reputation as healers due to their knowledge of plants. They live in the forest rather than the savannas, as the Dan do, and were inventors of the "terror" mask, whose function was to establish contact with tutelary entities through the intermediary of dead ancestors. During certain celebrations, the "monstrous" masks would clown and elicit laughter, but that did not make them any less dangerous. The hemispheric forehead, jutting cheekbones - sometimes on a vertical plane - the widened nostrils, and the repetition of certain elements (nose, eyes, forehead), express magic powers reinforced by adventitious elements: little bells to call forth the ancestors, medals, nails, leopard fangs, cowrie shells, and feathers worn on top of the head. Some masks were made of clay as the use of wood may have been forbidden in certain clans. At the death of a mask wearer, a dispute would sometimes occur between two heirs, and it has happened that a second mask was produced in order to please both parties - but this mask would not have the same power. See Kerchache's L'Art Africain for additional details.
Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs!
Never a charge for handling!
Important Note: UPS and USPS International request a daytime phone number for delivery, PLEASE be sure to include this information with your payment to ensure expedited service.
Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking or free Delivery Confirmation. USPS insurance is optional and highly recommended. We gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases to reduce your costs - simply email us with your Zip or Postal Code for a combined invoice, PRIOR to making payment.
We Offer a Variety of Payment Methods to Meet YOUR Needs !
PayPal and all major credit cards are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed !!!
Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
*The estimated delivery time is based on the seller's handling time, the shipping service selected, and when the seller receives cleared payment. Sellers are not responsible for shipping service transit times. Transit times may vary, particularly during peak periods.
Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
We're delighted to combine shipments and reduce your costs, simply email your Zip/Postal Code PRIOR to making payment. All major credit cards and PayPal are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
Back to Search Results
) 
Santa Fe African Art
Print
Report item
and your 