Mask carved in a very hard wood, the design is minimal. However the lines formed by the nose and the continuity with those located above the eyes evoke the shape of a spider. Note a slot on the right of the mask, however well secured by a metal clip. Far north west of Nepal, Humla region, H 34 cm, W 19 cm, age circa mid 20th.
Archetype of archaic protector from West Nepal, important erosion, H 42 cm, at least mid 20th
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Mask with black patina, large volume, the design is minimal, the yeyx are highlighted by a double sculpted line. Good age at least mid 20th. Semi-hard wood showing some old traces of insects. Probably Eastern Nepal, Rai, Limbu ethnic groups? H 32 cm, width 20 cm
Old Baule (Baoule) Colonial Period carved wood sculpture of a maternity figure or spirit spouse (Blolo Bla). With elaborate hair and ringed neck. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). Pre 1950. Approximately 18” tall.
This mask or may be an effigie as the back is flat likely represnts a raktsatsa ( which means devil or bad spirit). Indeed this might not be a mask weared by people but rather an effigie posted on an entrance either a door or a window as the back is flat. This piece is very old with a local repair, carved in semi hard wood, at least around 100 y , large size H 38 cm , wide 25 cm. From East central central, district of Rameschap,likely from Tamang of Brahman people.
This is the top part of a longuer pole fixed on bridge for protection of travellers. Although the carving is rought one can distinguish the minimal face either of a local deityor or also possible of the Sun. Age is circa mid 20th as it is already in my collection since 1992, good condition it is based on an old piece of wood which can be removed.
H 40 cm,
Ghurra with finely carved zoomorphic patterns, the top is à ram surmounting a couple of cows. Obvious signs of important use with a very encrusted patina
; presented on a metal stand, H 18 cm
Lons stick ghurra richly carved on its front side, encrusted soot patina. H31 cm can been prsented on a custom iron stand
More information on local and ethnic origin.
Large door lock, representing a standing female. The face expressing a great severity, is framed by a beautiful crenellated hair.
Hardwood. Old patina of use.
From Bambara tribes Mali
old mushroom mask, with a shiny black patina. These mask are made from tree parasit mushroom with a minimal carving work. The aime of the carvers is to take advantage of the native form of the mushroom. These masks are usually hung inside homes to function as protective effigies. They are more occasionally used as face masks during festival season, H 29 cm, width 38 cm weight1Kg.
Drum stick with brown patina the top shows three grimacing faces, the middle part is a dorgi with deep carvings followed by a very flared original motif with vertically carved motifs. The tip shows a short beak of Makara framed by 2 very large eyes, and many miniaturized sculptures showing in particular shamans in trances arms raised and spread, very important signs of wear H 39 cm, presnted on an iron stand
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Large Ghurra showing a powerful scene involving the founding couple of the family. it is an excellent overview of the primordial symbolism of the churning milk saga. Age is difficult to predict, because this kind of luxurious ghurra might not be used every day, based on its signs of use, it may be from the end of the 20th, but from the point of view of design he is much older.rom late 20 th , from the design point of view it is be much more older...
This drum shows deep carvings, the 3 face s on top are rather unusual, they show fierceful faces , this handle has been collected from Chepang tribes from Hetauda district, this district is south of kathmandu , Chepang are more or less Gipsy people living in forests and they are moving often and are living in established houses. In the past 10 years they have been approach by christian missionaries and few years ago I saw many Dhyangro from this district arriving on the market in Kathmandu...
This Ghurra which imitates a chain is carved from a single piece of wood so without any gluing. The top shows 2 two protectors sitting back to back like Janus H 6 cm. This work testifies to a great mastery of wood carving and also to a deep respect for churning work. H 23 cm
More information on local origin on request
Old tribal mask from the North West of Nepal, Humla district, we can see several old shreds of hairy skin (possibly from goat?) fixed on the forehead and the chin as well as important vestiges of hair fixed with glue around the mouth. The teeth have been sculpted in a very realistic, important black soot patina. H 25 cm, important age from the beginning to the middle of the 20th century
Old mask with black patina, presence of goat skin with black hairs to represent hairs, eyelashes, eyebrows, mustaches and beard. The mouth is open showing the sculpted upper teeth. The top of the head is cut to represent the crown indicating an important man in his community. Very heavy and hard wood. Age at least mid 20th. H 32 cm
A simple ghurra but with an great important sign of use, encrusted geometrical carvings. H 25.5 cm
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Very old mask with black soot patina representing a demon or Raktsatsa which is the local name. We can notice the very high quality of sculpture which is a sign of a grade of seniority, at least early 20th century. The mouth is wide open with menacing teeth to accentuate the frightening aspect. It is probable that the shivaite trident improperly engraved on the forehead is posterior to the sculpture of the hardwood mask in excellent condition. H 21 cm