The Many Facets of African Tribal Art in One Collection
Out of Africa comes this collection of masks and figures integral to traditional tribal ceremonies. Imbued with stylized detail and tremendous depth of meaning, these handcrafted items enchant collectors worldwide.
Carved out in this collection are masks and figures integral to traditional ceremonies from tribes around the world. Given their geometrics designs, it is no wonder these artifacts are widely exhibited alongside modern sculptures.
The Dogon people, who dwell in the central plateau region of Mali, in western Africa, are known for their wooden sculpture and architecture. Two door locks in the collection represent a combination of the two. The more detailed of the two is made of wood and metal and depicts a primordial couple. It was acquired in situ by Jerry Vogel of New York City, who was a longtime associate for the Museum for African Art.
Door lock depicting primordial couple, Dogon people, Mali, 15in tall with base. Ex collection Jerry Vogel, New York City. Wood, metal and ritual substance. Estimate: $2,200-$2,400. Jasper52 image
More than a dozen masks are in this collection. One of the most dramatic is a polychrome mask from the Igala people of Nigeria. Carved of medium-density wood, this mask shows much evidence of having years of use. A custom mount is also included.
Polychrome mask; Igala people, Nigeria, wood with earth pigments. Well oxidized older mask of medium density wood. Estimate: $1,500-$1,700. Jasper52 image
Just as visually arresting is an Atwonzen beaded head by the Bamileke people of Grassfields, Cameroon. This item made of fiber and glass beads is from the fabled Merton D. Simpson collection.
Beaded head Atwonzen, Bamileke people, Grassfields, Cameroon, 6in high, fiber and glass beads. Estimate: $1,200-$1,400. Jasper52 image
An unusual decoy used by hunters in the grasslands of northeast Nigeria and southwest Niger represents the often-encountered Abyssinian ground hornbill. Hunters wore such decoys on their heads to mask their approach to antelope, buffalo and other game.
Hunter’s decoy, various peoples, northeast Nigeria, southwest Niger, 18in tall. Estimate: $1,200-$1,400. Jasper52 image
An anthropomorphic pipe from the Mangbetu people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents a bearded man. From a New York City private collection, this pipe was acquired in Belgium before 1974.
Anthropomorphic pipe, Mangbetu people, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 9 1/2in long. Estimate: $2,200-$2,400. Jasper52 image
The piece with the highest estimated value in this collection is a Tampulma or Vagala mask made of wood and decorated with indigenous pigments.
Vagala or Tampulma mask. Estimate: $2,400-$2,600. Jasper52 image
Additional items in this collection include knives, tribal currency and sculpture. Explore these treasures here.