Dogon Crocodile Antique African Mask Tribal Art Mali

A Stunning Old Dogon Crocodile Mask, Fine Encrustation
Antique African Tribal Art - Mali, West Africa

Collected from the: Dogon peoples of the Sanga region of Mali, West Africa
Material: Hardwood, pigment, encrustation, skin oil
Estimated Period: Early 20th century, conservatively
Dimensions: 11.5" height, 5.75" width, 4" depth; weight is 1.05 pounds
Condition: Excellent. Held in a private Parisian collection, this exquisite, thin-walled mask remains unchanged from the time of it's original late 1940's field acquisition. Significant signs of age and wear from extensive tribal use, exposed wood displays considerable patination. Make special note of the surface condition, worn interior and hole wear, the heavily weat d edges display liberal traces of skin oil that suggest frequent wear and handling, fine encrustation covering the entire exterior surface indicative of sacrificial libations - a splendid specimen!

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