Belly Mask – Wood – Vuvi – Gabon

Name: Belly Mask - Wood - Vuvi - Gabon
SKU: 37.197
Availability: OutOfStock

€ 250,00

Out of stock

SECURE PAYMENT
Pay securely with iDEAL | Wero, Bancontact, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer.

Dispatch within 1–2 business days

PostNL & UPS shipping

Fully insured against loss or damage

Carefully packed for safe transport

Trusted by collectors worldwide

Read customer reviews on independent platforms.

Catawiki

Etsy

Google

About this object

Unusual wooden belly mask from the Vuvi tribe of Gabon. This kind of masks symbolize fertility and are also thought to be worn during boys initiation ceremonies. The Vuvi live in central Gabon. Vuvi bwiti association’s masks are characterized by the relative flatness of their design and the emblematic nature of the facial features and markings. These masks serve as agents through which ancestral spirits reappear during funeral ceremonies and solemn communal gatherings. The color white equates with death, and the simple blackened facial features are graphic signs, representing esoteric knowledge handed down from the ancestors. The ovoid face has strongly arched eyebrows often extending from the bridge of the nose to the edge of the mask. The eyebrows may demarcate a heart-shaped area with narrow eye slits and a slightly open, thin-lipped mouth. Good used condition with clear traces of wear and tear. Beautiful belly mask with a great patina. Large piece, total lenght: 80 cm!

Object: Belly mask

Ethnic group/ culture: Vuvi

Region/ country: Gabon

Material: Wood

Period: 2nd half 20th century

Condition: Good

Sold with stand: No

Dimensions: 80×33×20 cm

Weight: 4000 g

Shipping Information

We ship worldwide with track & trace. Orders are carefully packed and are usually dispatched within one business day.

Payment Methods

You can pay securely using the available payment methods shown during checkout.

Returns

Consumers have the right to return an order within 14 days of receipt. The object must be returned in its original condition and packaging.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about our products

Find answers to the most common questions about authenticity,
provenance, condition and additional information.

Are the items authentic?

Yes. We carefully select every item in our collection. We provide information about the culture, material, age or period and provenance whenever this information is available. We do not knowingly sell reproductions as authentic antiques.

Is the item in the photo the exact object I will receive?

Yes. The photographs show the actual object for sale. We individually photograph our pieces, so you will receive the exact object shown on the product page.

Do you provide provenance or documentation?

Where available, provenance information is included in the product description. For selected pieces, additional provenance documentation or a provenance certificate may be available upon request.

What condition are the items in?

We describe the condition of each item as accurately as possible and photograph the piece from multiple angles. Signs of age, wear, repairs or damage are mentioned in the product description when relevant.

Can I ask for additional photographs or information?

Absolutely. If you would like additional photographs, measurements, details about the condition or further information about an item, please contact us. We are happy to help before you make a purchase.

View all frequently asked questions