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A Superb Bwa Butterfly Mask, Burkina Faso
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description
of highly abstract form, the butterfly with wide-spread wings decorated on each side of the front with four circle motifs and chessboard pattern on the ends, on the reverse with chessboard pattern, the round face with circular eyes and protruding mouth and nose; fine aged patina with black, white and red pigment.
Provenance
Tambaran Gallery, New York, 1980s
George and Gail Feher, New York
Condition
excellent condition overall; minor age cracks, nicks and scratches, wear and tear consistent with use; fine aged patina with black, white and red 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Roy (1987: 270) notes: "Bwa wooden masks represent a number of characters in the myths of their families and clans. Masks represent numerous animals including the antelope, bush buffalo, monkey [...], the crocodile and fish of several types [...] and insects including the butterfly [...]. The bird masks and butterflieds are the most abstract, consisting of a broad, horizontal plank, decorated with large concentric patterns. The mouth projects from the center and there [...are] circles representing the patterns on the butterfly's wings."
The Bwa mask from the Feher Collection is one of the largest examples known. For two related masks from the Thomas Wheelock Collection see Roy (1987: 272, fig. 229, Musée du Quai Branly, Paris; 273, fig. 230) and Roy and Wheelock (2007: pl. 139).
The Bwa mask from the Feher Collection is one of the largest examples known. For two related masks from the Thomas Wheelock Collection see Roy (1987: 272, fig. 229, Musée du Quai Branly, Paris; 273, fig. 230) and Roy and Wheelock (2007: pl. 139).