Timba Mask, Tanzania

Allan Stone, New York, by the 1980s

Very good condition for an object of this age and exceptionally rare type. Crack to proper left side of the mask has been repaired with a metal plate; holes from a previous binding repair to the same crack on the reverse. Stable surface age cracks showing the great age of the wood throughout. Marks, nicks, scratches, and abrasions consistent with age and use. Old loss to top of reverse. Some cavities to the back of the mask, possibly old insect damage. Exceptionally fine dark brown glossy patina.
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.

According to Meurant (in Jahn 1994: 217), Timba was a small Sukuma chiefdom that became part of Kerewe territory in 1896. Timba culture is a mixture of the cultures of the Jita and Sukuma, and only a handful of sculptures in this style are known: two female figures in the Linden-Museum Stuttgart (inv. nos. "45992" and "45993") were collected in Kerewe territory and entered the collection in 1906. A male figure was collected even earlier in Mwanza and today is also in the Linden-Museum, Stuttgart (inv. no. "38934"). A fourth sculpture identified as Timba, a musical instrument with a figurative element, was collected before 1897 and is today in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Berlin (inv. no. "III E 5617"). 

The face mask from the Allan Stone Collection, carved of dense wood and showing many signs of long ritual use, closely mirrors the facial features of the male figure in the Linden-Museum, including drammatic eyebrows, small inset eyes, a long nose, a small mouth above a pronounced chin, and large C-shaped ears. It is the only Timba mask known.