A rare type of ceremonial mask with a great primal form with elongated head flanked by an unbalanced pair of ears, square-shaped eyes and a vertical nose leading down to a carved open mouth. Carved from a heavy dark wood, the mask was worn but also carried in both hands during dance ceremonies.
Tribal art from the Sagara is not prevalent only a few examples of masks are known. Like much of the art from this region it does not follow any stylistic form, in most cases a piece, like in the case of this mask, is an individual artistic expression.
This mask was field collected from near to Kilosa Village, Morogoro District of Central Tanzania
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century
H (Excl. Stand): 50.5cm
W: 25cm
(Click on images to enlarge)