AUTHENTIC AFRICAN TRIBAL ART FANG MASK BOUGHT IN GABON in 1981

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AUTHENTIC AFRICAN TRIBAL ART FANG MASK BOUGHT IN GABON in 1981:
$79.99

The mask was purchased in Gabon in 1981. It was one of the first masks I bought in Africa because it looked so much like the mask that inspired Picasso to paint the \"Head of a Sleeping Woman\" (it was my passion for Picasso\'s work that kick started my interest in African art).During the time I worked and lived in Liberia I started collecting African art, both traditional and contemporary, I continued enlarging my collection when, few years later, I returned to work in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo). I collected these items for their decorative value and can not vouch that they were actually used in rituals, that did not interest me. All such items which I am selling now on were either purchased by me or received as gifts from my coworkers ormissionaries I worked with while in Africa.
The authenticity of items used in tribal rituals is notoriously difficult to ascertain. The members of the tribe which use the masks in rituals attribute to them magical powers and are highly unlikely to sell them. Most of such items were most likely obtained by theft or luted during a war.
The mask is 16½\" x 6½\", it weighs approx. 1 lb 3 oz.
Please do not hesitate to ask for additional information about the item or a different shipping method. If you are interested in African art please check my other listings current and future. I will combine shipping if you buy from me more then one item.