Monumental shoulder mask symbol of femininity and fertility, used by Baga dancers during weddings and harvest celebrations. Dark patina mask with decorative metal nailing.
NOTE - For a similar specimen see: Maschera nimba, Musée Picasso, Parigi, ex collezione Pablo Picasso. Pubblicato su “Le Primitivisme dans l'art du 20 siecle” (pag. 327).

Provenance: Parisian collection of the painter Arturo Carmassi (Lucca, 1925- Empoli, 2015). This piece was inherited from the French humanist and collector Renée Druart (Grasse 1888-1961) whose daughter Carmassi had married.