An important Makonde Helmet Mask, Tanzania

of deep hollowed form, the zoo-anttropomorphic head with slender nose, elongated snout showing two fangs, and a plug in the upper lip, with human hair inserted in the back; fine aged medium brown patina with grey, red, and white pigment.

Peter Loebarth, Hameln
Fred Jahn, Munich

Berlin, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Tanzania: Meisterwerke Afrikanischer Skulptur, April 29 - August 7, 1994
London, Royal Academy of Arts, Africa: The Art of a Continent, October 4, 1995 - January 21, 1996 (for additional venues see bibliography, Phillips 1995)
New York, Guggenheim Museum, Africa: The Art of a Continent. 100 Works of Power and Beauty, June 7 - September 29, 1996
Iowa City, The University of Iowa Museum of Art, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, March 27 - May 23, 1999 (for additional venues see bibliography, Roy 1997)

Jens Jahn (ed.), Tanzania: Meisterwerke Afrikanischer Skulptur. Munich, 1994, p. 479, fig. 286
Tom Phillips (ed.), Africa, the Art of a Continent, Munich, 1995, p. 171, fig. 2.61
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation (ed.), Africa: The Art of a Continent. 100 Works of Power and Beauty, New York, 1996, p. 77, cat. 28
Christopher D. Roy, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, Seattle, 1997, pp. 109 and 340, fig. 52
--, Kilengi. Afrikanische Kunst aus der Sammlung Bareiss, Hanover, 1997, pp. 113 and 344, fig. 52
Raoul Lehuard, "Kilengi," Arts d'Afrique Noire Premiers, no. 106, Eté 1998, p. 41

very good condition overall; age cracks, nicks and scratches throughout; fine aged medium brown patina with grey, red, and white pigment.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Roy (1997: 340, text to fig. 52) notes: "Makonde men carve masks that represent both heroes in their battles with the colonial powers and the characters they see around them from day to day. They also carve animal masks that are worn by performers on stilts. Many of these, combining human and animal characteristics, were described by Karl Weule, who called them nandenga; this word refers to evil spirits, especially the spirits of animals and the dead, which the Makonde believe are present everywhere (Weule 1909)."