A rare Fang, Bouiti society, ceremonial implement

the flat, abbreviated body pierced at the bottom and mid-section, the neck pierced with varied surface, presumably from attachments, the circular head with stylized features, a straight mouth beneath the pointed nose bisecting the small, raised eyes and leading to the arching brows, the back of the head with worn piercings at the perimeter for attachment; '20X" on the base; smooth, light brown patina with areas of dark pigment and kaolin.

Drouot, Paris, December 17, 1981, lot 48
Patrick Dierickx, Brussels, February 8, 1982

Greenwich, Connecticut, The Bruce Museum, Three African Art Traditions: The Art of the Dogon, Fang and Songye, January 31 - April 18, 1999

Wilhelem 1985: 125
Robbins and Nooter 1989: 336, figure 872
Dagan 1990: 98, figure 29.2
The Bruce Museum 1999: 27, figure 40