Vintage Mid-Century African Mask & Figure Wall Plaque Pair Verdigris Art

Overview
A captivating pair of vintage Mid-Century Modern wall relief plaques celebrating West African figurative and masking traditions. The set includes two distinct dimensional compositions: one depicting a stylized ceremonial mask topped by a bird, and the second portraying a standing warrior figure with an outstretched arm. Rendered with rich verdigris patination, faux-bronze highlighting, and hand-applied polychrome glazes, each relief is mounted onto a coarsely woven burlap fabric backing board. Designed to accent Mid-Century Brutalist, Global Eclectic, or Boho Chic gallery walls and entryway displays.
Cultural & Artistic Background
Emerging during the 1960s and 1970s cultural art movement, decorative reliefs like these drew strong stylistic inspiration from West African ethnographic art—specifically Senufo crested masking traditions and Benin ceremonial figurative bronze castings. The mask motif features a prominent bird crest symbolizing spiritual insight, flanked by geometric side lugs. The accompanying plaque portrays a standing figure adorned with patterned tunic armor and royal regalia. Crafted via cold-casting techniques and finished with layered copper verdigris and earth-tone glazes, these pieces capture the tactile depth of aged bronze sculpture.
Condition & Surface Character
Preserved in excellent vintage condition with strong structural integrity. The relief surfaces exhibit rich patinated depth with distinct green verdigris, copper-brown undertones, and subtle red and blue glaze accents. The woven fabric backings maintain clean weave definition with minor, age-appropriate handling wear along the perimeter edges. The dense backboards feature flush-mounted brass keyhole hangers for immediate, secure wall suspension.
Dimensions & Weight
Height: 7.0 inches (Per Plaque)
Width/Diameter: 5.0 inches (Per Plaque)
Depth: 0.3 inches
Set Count: 2 Matching Wall Relief Plaques
Weight Profile: Moderate