Vintage Hand Carved Ghanaian Bakota Shell Mask Brass Double Sided Two Faces on Base

> Bakota shell masks are ceremonial tribal pieces designed to represent the reign and longevity of the Bakota King of West Africa, and to confer ancestral blessings of long and healthy living. The presence of the mask is said to ward off all evil spirits.
> This vintage Bakota shell tribal mask has a sticker on the underside reading "Handcrafted in Ghana"
> This mask is unusual in that it is attached to a round base, and has both sides carved into faces, one on the front and one on the back
> The convex side carving is ornately detailed, featuring hammered brass ornamentation in the forehead, nose and jowl areas, deeply carved features, accented in red and black paint, a twisted metal wire positioned vertically down the top half to the bridge of the nose, and a square geometric carved mouth
> On the other side, which is flatter, the features are softer, with large red almond shaped eyes, heavy black eyebrows, a triangular nose, and a mouth with black and red lips
> Overall measurements including the base are 10.5 inches tall x 9 inches wide x 4 inches wide, and mask portion measures 9.5 inches x 9 inches
> Weighs 23.5 ounces

CONDITION: Piece is in excellent, vintage condition. Mask leans very slightly to the left, and appears to have been made that way.

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