{"product_id":"vintage-west-african-mask-carved-wood-bared-teeth-coiffure-tribal-wall-art-9-5","title":"Vintage West African Mask Carved Wood Bared Teeth Coiffure Tribal Wall Art 9.5\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eItem specifics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: African – West Africa (Likely Ivory Coast or Nigeria influence)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: Small Face Mask \/ Passport-style Mask\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStyle: Expressive ceremonial style with elaborate coiffure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Carved hardwood with a dark, polished patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 9.5 × 5 × 3 in (24 × 12.5 × 7.5 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Good vintage condition. The wood shows a rich, dark finish with visible signs of age, including a stable crack extending from the chin\/mouth area (visible in photos) and minor surface wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA striking and unique vintage African mask characterized by its intense expression and detailed carving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring 9.5 inches in height, this mask features a high, crested coiffure detailed with fine linear incisions and a headband adorned with carved diamond or cowrie shell motifs. The face is defined by slit eyes framed by dotted scarification (mimicking lashes or ritual markings) and a prominent, wide open mouth displaying a full grid of bared teeth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey Elements:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElaborate Coiffure: The high, ridged hairstyle suggests status or beauty, borrowing stylistic elements from the Baule or Guro traditions of the Ivory Coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBared Teeth: The open mouth with a \"grid\" of teeth is a powerful motif, often symbolizing aggressive spirits, the strength of the ancestors, or specific masquerade characters designed to command respect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface Detail: The mask features \"dotted\" punch-work around the eyes and forehead band, adding texture to the smooth, dark wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact Size: At under 10 inches, this piece fits the scale of a \"passport mask\" (miniature masks carried for personal protection) or a small shrine piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a visually captivating piece of woodcarving that blends serenity (in the eyes) with aggression (in the mouth), creating a dynamic wall display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompliance Note: This item is sold as a vintage ethnographic art object \/ collectible artifact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant note: The display stand shown in the photos is for illustration only and is NOT included in the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049609392414,"sku":"BA-0645","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.7551772085_em76.jpg?v=1790371770","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-west-african-mask-carved-wood-bared-teeth-coiffure-tribal-wall-art-9-5","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}