Warasei. <em>Mindja Carving</em>, early 20th century. Wood, pigment, 53 x 17 1/4 x 2 1/2 in. (134.6 x 43.8 x 6.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Melville W. Hall, 81.164.7. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 81.164.7_bw.jpg)

Mindja Carving

Artist:Warasei

Medium: Wood, pigment

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:early 20th century

Dimensions: 53 x 17 1/4 x 2 1/2 in. (134.6 x 43.8 x 6.4 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 81.164.7

Image: 81.164.7_bw.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Flat wooden shield shaped mask that tapers slightly at bottom. It is painted red-brown, black, white and ochre. The top has carved and painted zigzag ornamentation. Beneath a forehead ridge extends a long vertical nose with pierced nostrils, large round eyes in high relief, and a large angular mouth in high relief. Beneath the chin is a looped serpentine form (perhaps a python) as well as carved and painted zigzag decoration. There is a pierced ridge under the mouth that extends from one side of the face to the other. The top of the mask is pierced. Condition: Very good. Evidence of wear on side rims near both eyes. Pigment stable, but evidence of wear throughout. Modern picture wire at back for suspension.

Brooklyn Museum