LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June African & Oceanic Art Auction #645  / 

48103

Owo (Nigeria)Ram's Head Pendant MaskCast Brass

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Ethnographic Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Owo (Nigeria)Ram's Head Pendant MaskCast Brass
<B>Owo (Nigeria)</B></I><BR>Ram's Head Pendant Mask<BR>Cast Brass or Bronze, ca. 18th century<BR>Height: 5 7/8 inches Width: 3 ¾ inches Depth: 1 ½ inches<BR><BR>This cast metal pendant mask represents an ancient royal and chiefly accoutrement deriving from the court of the Oba of Benin, though this example comes from Owo, a major casting center located between Benin and Ife. It represents a ram's head, which was a principal symbol of the chiefs of the royal lineage at Owo. They "embody the idea of the ancestors as mediators for the transmission of the fertilizing life force from the gods…"(William Fagg. Nigerian Images. New York, London: Frederick A. Praeger, 1963, no. 102). The linear details which edge or highlight such areas as the nose bridge, mouth, and lower flange were cast from raised, braided strands of wax laid on the larger surface. There are two triangular openings at the center of the lower flange. The back suspension loop is at the bottom, thus dictating that the ram faces the wearer.<BR>There are casting fault losses at the center face, and toward the center base of the proper left horn, which has a considerable further metal loss on its inner side.<BR>This piece is sold with a copy of a statement of authenticity from William Fagg,C.M.G., 1985.<BR><BR>Provenance: Peter Wengraf, London<BR>Thomas D. Slater, Indianapolis<BR>Dr. Hamus and Kirsten Grosz, Indianapolis<BR><BR> <BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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