Kurumba Antelope Mask, Mali

Description of Significance:

The Kurumba people of Mali craft intricate wooden masks in the form of an antelope, used as headdresses during significant cultural events. These masks are secured atop the head, with raffia disguising the head and shoulders, creating a complete transformation of the wearer. The Kurumba masks play a vital role in three major annual ceremonies that celebrate and honor ancestors. Similar to the Mossi traditions, these masks serve as portable altars where the living offer sacrifices to the dead, seeking their blessings for the coming year. Additionally, a mask carved upon the death of a high-ranking clan elder enhances the deceased's prestige. When not in use, these masks are placed on altars within the ancestral spirit house in the family compound, maintaining a connection between the living and their revered ancestors.

Country of Origin:

• Hand carved in Ivory Coast

Dimensions (inches):

• Depth: 24"
• Width: 9"
• Height: 63"
• Dimensions include the metal base seen in the photos.

Sustainable Materials & Display:

• Paint and stain
• Indigenous wood
• The mask comes with the custom metal base seen in the photos.

About Decorative African Art:

Hemingway Gallery only purchases pieces from artists or owners that we approve of historically and aesthetically. These might include artworks that have been newly created and are currently being used in ceremonies. We place high value in these pieces, despite their lack of age and antiquity, regarding them as real even though they are not old. Some are created for use by the people and not made for the tourist trade. Ours are by talented artisans creating fine art that reference historic styles. Newly produced African art is gorgeous and we value these pieces. This includes contemporary aesthetics from the continent that may not necessarily look traditionally ‘African’. Our goal is to represent design in Africa that goes beyond the idea of ‘tribal’ as the styles of emerging artists are ever evolving.

Our Pricing:

Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price to our artists is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that.

Shipping:

• Shipping on large or fragile pieces is calculated on a case by case basis. This is because a custom crate is needed. We also want to make sure to get you the best shipping quote because freight shipping rates fluctuate greatly. For a shipping estimate on this piece, please give us a call! 212-838-3650 or email info@hemingwayafricangallery.com
• Delivery in the New York area is available via truck. 
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.