The Bidjogo live on the Bissagos Islands in the state of Guinea-Bissau, off the west coast of Africa. They have a large reservoir of masks boasting many animal masks. The most famous among them are the helmet masks, depicting the head of a bull. However, there are also mask types representing hippopotami, birds, rays and sharks, such as the present shark mask: This old piece, which was visibly often used for dancing, is actually not a proper ‘mask’, but rather a dance crest that dancers tie to their forehead. The head of the shark is very naturalistically carved from hard wood and partly dyed black. The aggressively open mouth is painted red on the inside. The eyes consist of green glass and are placed on both sides of the flat, pointed skull. Round padding is attached to the back of the shark’s head for the dancers’ comfort. A thick hanging made of dark brown plant fibre plaits and red-brown bast covers the wearer’s head. An original and rare piece, with good usage patina and a small, old fracture to the tip of the snout. First half of the 20th century; L: 45 cm. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian collection.

Lit.: ‘The Tribal Arts of Africa’ by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, ill. p. 23; ‘Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture’ by K.-F. Schädler, ill. p. 103.