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Fine Arms, Armour, Ethnographic & Asian
Lot 1:
Exceptional and important ancient Bangwa Janus helmet mask from the "Troh Night Society" of the late 19th or early 20th century almost certainly used in ritual practice. Deeply recessed eyes and twin faced or Janus with a lightly cleaned patinated encrustation which is somewhat darker in natural light and presence. The surface almost exacting in finish, color and condition to the most famous examples in the Musee Barbier-Mueller (Inc. 1018-65) and Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession Number: 1992.162.2). This example from the Grassfields of Cameroon and as noted in Charles Report as Fontom Village, Bangwa culture composted of a light core wood, pigment, fibers and cord (little remaining on this example although with holes present).
For additional examples of exceptional Bangwa art see the book (Bangwa Funerary Sculpture) by Robert Brain and Adam Pollock. Strikingly similar and likely related carver as exampled in the Musee Barbier-Mueller (Inv. 1018-65).
Troh Night Society a mysterious and secret group of nine members or inner circle of the Troh so called (The Great Night). Born of the chieftains power and ambivalence the duties of the members among being kingmakers themselves, involved going into the villages at night and enforcing chieftains law. The essence and duties of the society involved enforcement and generally stood for the opposite of the Lefem society which represented the Chieftains beneficial and benevolent forces. Size 20 1/2" H x 12 1/4" W
Family collection of Ashanti Chieftain and an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally.. Family collection of an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally.
Condition: Report of value and authenticity from esteemed African Art Expert and former head of International sales Charles D Miller III (Aspects of Africa INC) at a value of $36,000 . Looseness to the base and overall, approximately 5" wedge broken off the bottom
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