With its square-shaped eyes and rectangular mouth, this mask displays a powerful, primal expression. An unusual feature of this mask is the fine layer of animal hide, decorated with red and white natural pigments, attached to the surface of the mask.
The hide has been secured to the mask with a woven leather strap which runs along the perimeter of the mask, and in parts, with metal nails. Woven fabric, cut into strips, has been fixed to the back of the mask. The rear of this wooden mask exhibits an old worn surface.
This Sukuma mask from Tanzania, which formerly belonged to the Ralf Schulte-Bahrenberg collection in Germany, has been published in Tansania -Glaube, Kult und Geisterwelt Collection Ralf Schulte-Bahrenberg (2007).
Ex Private Collection, Germany
Estimated Period: First Quarter of 20th Century
W: 29cm
H (Excl. Stand): 25cm
Reference
Tansania - Glaube, Kult und Geisterwelt Collection Ralf Schulte-Bahrenberg (2007) Edition Phaistos, p. 96
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