Winiama Triple-Crested Mask, Burkina Faso

Issaka Zango, Ivory Coast
Susan and Jerry Vogel, New York, acquired from the above in 1970

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Marks, nicks, scratches, chips and abrasions consistent with age and use. Some vertical age cracks, including several running the height of the center crest, one to the center of the reverse, and to center top of rim on reverse. Chipping to lips, nose, and front edges of crests. Wear to post below mask from handling. Crusty blackened patina with remnants of white, black, and red pigment. Rectangular paper label on reverse on which is typed: "VOGEL 53.72"; red number "21" painted on rim.
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 (1987: 214) notes: "The masks of the Winiama and Léla are the most geometric and nonrepresentational of the gurunsi styles.  Like the Nunuma, series of lines may radiate from target-shaped eyes, and the geometric patterns painted red, white, and black are similar, although they are applied in different combinations.  As a result some Winiama masks may be easily misattributed to the Nunuma or the Bwa.  However, the Winiama carve several mask types that include either one or two flat, curving vertical horns paired side-by-side or rising from the top of the head.  These horns occur very rarely among the Nunuma and never among the Bwa.  The mouths of Winiama masks are usually open lozenge shapes, with angular corners, broad lips, and barred teeth, in contrast to the characteristic Nunuma triangular snout.  While the type of animal spirit represented by Bwa, Nuna, or Nunuma masks is usually easy to identify, Winiama masks are often so stylized that they resemble no recognizable animal."

Wheelock (in Roy and Wheelock 2006: 400, cat. 90) adds that these masks exist in single, double, and triple-crested examples. For related masks see Schaedler (1973: 59, fig. 63); Roy (1987: figs. 196 and 197); Roy and Wheelock (2006: cats. 86-90).