Gabon

Early 20th c

Ex: New York private collection

10 1/2 inches high x 5 1/4 inches wide

SOLD

The Gong mask was used during the Beete festival after the death of an elder or dignitary or social/religious event.  It was intended to instill fear and gather respect.  The mask is shaped like the skull of an adult gorilla with a triangular motif at the base of the sagittal crest.  It has large eye sockets, a jutting jaw, a bite bar on the back and dark patina with kaolin.