Masque, Samo, Burkina Faso

Charles Ratton, Paris
Christie's New York, 5 mai 1994, n° 51
Collection Thomas G.B. Wheelock, New York

Publication:
Roy & Wheelock, Land of Flying Masks, 2007, n° 163

Good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Some damage to the bottom part of the face. Bottom part of the side of the mask broken and glued on the proper left. Abrasion to the surface on the proper left. Small chips and losses. Fine encrusted 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparé à la gazelle, à l'épervier, à l'hippotrague ou au calao, le poisson est un animal totémique (associé au mythe d'origine du clan qui le possède) peu représenté dans la tradition masquée de la région du bassin de la Volta. Celui-ci compte parmi les plus anciens et s'impose, par la subtilité de son naturalisme, comme le plus remarquable. « Le sens du détail y est d'une richesse comparable à l'œuvre d'un grand artiste japonais » (Wheelock in Roy et Wheelock, 2007 : 415, n° 163). Les registres de petits triangles aux teintes alternées évoquent tant les écailles que son origine Samo.

Samo mask, Burkina Faso

Within the masking tradition of the Volta basin the fish is a little used totem when compared with other animals that represent the mythological origins of clans such as the gazelle, hawk, antelope, and hornbill. The offered mask is amongst the oldest known of its type and possesses a subtle naturalism that marks it out as a truly remarkable example. Christopher Roy has noted that 'the detail on this mask is as rich as that of a fine Japanese artist' (Roy and Wheelock, 2007: 415 no. 163). The fields of small triangles in different pigments are both suggestive of fish-scales and likely to indicate that the mask is of Samo origin.