Busacca Gallery

Description:

Abron Brass Monkey Mask. Origin: Ghana Circa: 20 th Century AD Dimensions: 8.25" (21.0cm) high Collection: African Medium: Brass. This charming mask evokes the essence of a monkey. Although none of the features are particularly simian per say, when viewed as a whole, the identity is astonishingly clear. The face overall is heart-shaped with deeply recessed eye sockets. Perhaps the prominence placed on the protruding brow is a technique to emphasize the non-human nature of this beast. Small circular dishes have been attached at the sides and function as the ears. The eyes are almond-shaped and bordered by a twisted band. The circular nose is framed by such a band that also divides the nose into two semicircular nostrils. The open mouth rests at the underside of the mask, replete with intimidating teeth. Holes have been periodically cut into the metal to allow the mask to be secured to the head of the wearer. A cloth or fibrous covering would likely also have been attached to further disguise the identity of the wearer. What was this mask used for? Was it related to a secret society that oversaw the transferal of sacred knowledge from one generation to another? Or might it have been an amusing disguise that entertained villagers at annual festivals and celebrations? Although we cannot be sure of its original function, this mask will surely continue to dazzle all who behold it with its charming invocation of a monkey. *All of the art is edited and chosen by us for its high quality and workmanship before posting. These collectibles have been selected with the artist & collector in mind. We are committed to enhancing our customer’s lives by discovering creating, and pointing out only the best art we can find in the world today. We Are Taste-Makers, Art Advisers, Consultants & Publishers Of Spectacular Art Stories. Our job is to be intermediaries between buyers and sellers. We are vetting for high end art patrons. We are determined to catalog the world's most exceptional art and share it with everyone.

Reference:

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abron_dialect

Abron or Bono is the language of the Abron people and a major dialect of the Akan language of Central Ghana. It is spoken by 1,050,000 in the region of Brong Ahafo (Central Ghana) and as well as 130,000 (as of 1993) in eastern Ivory Coast in the departments of Tanda and Bondoukou. Alternative or former names include Brong, Bron, Doma, and Gyaman.