A wooden face mask, unkown origin. Possibly an Iriqois 'false face society' mask?
23 March 2019
Description

c.10-1/2" h. x 7"w. x 4" d.

Provenance

Inherited 1988 from my father, Harry Bober, a noted art historian. Purchased fro a NYC dealer JJ Klejjman I believe in the early 1980's

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Maybe
Answered within 2 days
By George
Mar 25, 17:40 UTC
Fair Market Value
$250 - $500 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Dear David,

Thank you for your request. The presented object is a wooden mask with the measurements of c.10-1/2" h. x 7"w. x 4" d. It depicts a human face with contorted facial features and has a paper label on the inside with the name Klejman. This mask reminds of the traditional masks of the False Face Society of the Iroquois tribes. The coloring of the mask shows a professional technique with a white ground coat. Usually, these masks are carved from the wood of the Tilia americana which is difficult to decide on the base of photos. The possible provenance related to the art dealer JJ Klejjman in New York because of this label. This mask is a modern piece in the tradition of the named masks of the False Face Society. This mask is shown no traces of usage and the eye holes are in a position that this mask cannot be worn. Nevertheless, it is an expressive and decorative piece of artwork.
This piece is in good condition and there are no serious damages visible.
An estimation would be between 250 to 500 USD.
This estimation is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and vary.

With kind regards,
Georg

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