Shop a rare 15″ vintage Bembe mask from Gabon. Authentic hand-carved wood mask featuring a serene heart-shaped face, coffee-bean slit eyes, and a forehead grid diamond. Buy now!
Vintage 13” Bembe Heart-Shaped Ancestral Mask – Gabon
$395.00
Description
Introduce rare depth and exceptional Central African history to your gallery collection with this beautiful 13-inch vintage hand-carved wood ancestral mask, masterfully crafted by the Bembe people of Gabon.
Central to the ancestral protection and lineage commemorations of the region, these masks use soft, organic forms to embody the benevolent, peaceful spirits of the ancestors. This exceptional example features a beautifully sculpted heart-shaped facial canvas anchored by exceptionally large, heavy-lidded “coffee-bean” slit eyes that cast a quiet, deeply meditative gaze across the room.
The upper forehead is adorned with a prominent, hand-etched diamond grid pattern (mabinda) signaling status and beauty. Carved from a dense, heavy indigenous hardwood clothed in a beautifully dry, multi-toned honey-brown patina, this vintage carving is a premier cornerstone for any dedicated collector of African art.
Shipping & Care Instructions
Shipping & Handling Particulars
Due to the age, size, and delicate nature of this 24-inch artifact’s mixed-media elements (including fragile organic fibers, leather, and horn attachments), this piece will be professionally packed. It is double-boxed and surrounded by custom cushioning to ensure absolute safety during transit. Full insurance and tracking are included with shipment.
Care & Preservation Guidelines
To preserve the beautiful, authentic vintage patina and structural integrity of this mid-century Lobi piece, please observe the following care instructions:
- Display Location: Keep the sculpture out of direct, intense sunlight to prevent the aged hardwood from fading or developing deeper stress fractures.
- Climate Control: Place the statue away from direct paths of heating vents, air conditioners, or humidifiers. Drastic shifts in humidity can dry out or distort vintage organic cords and leather attachments.
- Cleaning: Do not apply any chemical cleaners, liquid polishes, or water to the surface. To clean, simply use a soft, entirely dry microfiber cloth or a delicate brush to gently clear away dust from the wood crevices and mixed-media ornaments.
Additional information
| Region | |
|---|---|
| Culture | Lobi People |
| Origin | Burkina Faso, West Africa |
| Estimated Period | Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s–1970s) |
| Material | Carved Hardwood, Animal Horn, Glass Trade Beads, Leather, Fiber Cord |
| Height | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Condition | Excellent vintage condition. Wood shows beautiful natural aging and minor stable cracks consistent with genuine ritual use. All mixed-media attachments are structurally intact. |
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