- 91
Kom Akam Mask, Cameroon
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description
- wood, metal, glass beads, cowrie shells, button shell, wool
- Height: 16 1/2 in (41.9 cm)
with attachments of Commercial Button Shell (Trochus niloticus), Cowrie (Cypraea moneta) shell, and wool yarn.
Provenance
Allan Stone, New York
Condition
Good condition for an object of this type and age. Cracks, creases, and dents to metal covering the face. Small losses to fibers, hair, and beads in woven coiffure and beard. Wear along rim on the reverse. Holes in back of the mask, not visible from the front (covered by metal sheets). Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small chips consistent with age and use. Some old losses to metal covering revealing wood underneath, including to edges of nostrils. Fine varied aged, blackened patina to wood. Metal oxidized. Encrustation in the mouth and ears.
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
Founded in the first half of the eighteenth century (LaGamma 2011: 134), the kingdom of Kom was situated in the heart of the Bamenda mountains in the northern part of the Cameroon grassfields. According to Harter (1986: 216), the reputation of Kom artists is mainly based on the number, great variety and high quality of their masks. Akam masks, distinguished by their bi-lobed coiffure and flat profile, were worn on top of the head. They were important in that it was the leading character in the juju masquerade. See Harter (loc. cit.: 218-219) for further discussion.