A Bobo Helmet Mask, molo...

Description

A Bobo Helmet Mask, molo
Burkina Faso, 19th to early 20th century

The large antelope head carved from heavy hardwood with white, brown and red earth pigments. A pair of long curving horns on the domed head with a crest between, oval ears, a flat brow with square eye holes beneath. A long rectangular snout painted with brick red zigzag, a long raised nose ending at a split above a raised circular mouth. A trapezoid flange handle at bottom. Perforated around the perimeter of the domed helmet for attachment of a costume. The whole with a very fine patina of age and use. In very good condition aside from stable cracks on the head, a chip on the mouth and from the proper left side of the handle at bottom. With a metal stand.

Provenance;
A Private Collection, Los Angeles, CA
Harry Franklin Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

Note: This mask is nearly identical to the one sold at Sotheby's, New York, November 15, 2013, lot 47 from the collection of Allan Stone with provenance to Raymond Wielgus and Merton Simpson. A very similar molo mask is in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, Object # 1997.444.3

Height: 62 inches

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