Spencelayhs of Cambridgeshire

Description

A rare and very early, possibly late 19th century, Tikar mask from the people of Cameroon. Hand carved and featuring finely detailed brass embellishment to the eyes and forehead. Tikar masks, with their ritual scarification's and formalised hair styles, are some of the most desirable in African art.

Masks of this type are used during agricultural festivities, such as during harvest ceremonies. The basic concept of these rituals was the belief that the soil is sacred, because it belonged to the ancestors. Therefore, once the harvest is good, there is a great reason to celebrate and be grateful to them.
Made of hardwood, the upper eyelids and the centre of the forehead are inlaid with brass.

Measurements:
45cm h
21.5cm w (widest point)
15cm d

Other interesting items available on separate listing from the americas and Africa.