SOLD Wood African Giraffe Mask 24"

Item #1a33

This wood mask is an authentic one of a kind mask, hand carved and purchased in West Africa.

This mask is a representation of the giraffe's head. The giraffe is held to be the tallest of the animal species native to Africa, with a long neck and lordly dispositions. The reach of its neck and its famously long tongue symbolizes the owner's vast circle of influence which is a mark of power and possibly wealth. However, the giraffe's symbolism is rather one of reflection. This mask embodies lessons from the giraffe that calls us to be grounded despite the lordly heights we attain and to be expansive. It reminds us to not forget that we are mere mortals even as we desire spiritual growth, immortality or a lasting legacy.

Stylistically, this mask could be of Dogon origin or Bambara. However, giraffes are rare in West Africa. The only belt that had a sizeable population to have inspired this mask incidentally encompasses areas in Mali inhabited by the Bambaras and the Dogons. Most African giraffe masks are from Kenya but this mask bears a quite different signature from masks from the Safari.

It is most likely that this giraffe mask is from the Bambara tribe though because the mask has a polish similar to Bambara artworks and also because they are a big tribe in Niger where giraffes are most common in West Africa.

Because they are no eye holes in this mask, it isn�??t meant to be worn but to be hung on the wall to adorn the homestead.

Click here to learn more about the Ivory Coast. Please email info@lotusmasks.com or call us, toll free 1(866) LOTUS-12.

Height: 24 inches
Width: 10 inches
Depth: 7 inches
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Materials: Wood
Origin: Bambara Tribe - Ivory Coast, Africa

Hanging Instructions: Two holes are pre carved into the top portion of the back of the mask. String is tied through the holes for immediate hanging.

Care: Dust the piece as needed.

Shipping is automatically calculated by UPS for shipping within the US and Canada. Each piece is usually shipped within 24 hours of the order with the exception of the weekend. If you are in Canada please select "UPS Standard to Canada" for the shipping option. If you are an international customer please select "TNT International Shipping" during checkout. The shipping will come out as $0 and will be added to your order. Please call 203-629-0902 or email us info@lotusmasks.com for a shipping quote. Click here for approximate UPS transit times. Lotus Masks uses Instapak foam injection packing system to insure that all our pieces arrive undamaged. Click here to learn more about Lotus Masks packing.

"I simply wanted to let you know that we rceived our rug today and it is unbelievably beautiful, much more lovely than in the photo. the background red is actually a rust color and is perfect for the room, and the many different shades of blues in the rug couldn't be better. it is an exquisite piece.

thanks so much"

Bob - California

"Hello Tim,

I did receive them last week and I am very pleased with each item. You have a good selection at reasonable prices. I'm sure I will be buying additional pieces in the future.
Thanks for the great service."

Mike - New Jersey

"Great mask Tim! I have it on the wall with my other 'collectable' masks. It's a perfect addition.

Thanks"

Pam - California

"Hello Tim,

I recieved the shipment in perfect condition and the packing was the best I have ever recieved! Impressive is an understatment. I am real happy with the Toma mask it exceeded my expectations. Thank you for the great service and follow up phone calls Tim. Its a pleasure to deal with professionals!!

Thank you and take care."

Bryan - Ontario

"Hi Tim,

We received the mask, it was a gift for some friends. They loved it!! Thank you so much for your e-mail and enjoy your day."

Sher - Florida

"Tim,

Thank you for your prompt and professional response to my orders. I expect to be checking your website frequently."

Ellis - North Carolina

"Hi, Tim:

The mask is everything I expected it to be. Beautiful. Great addition to my collection.

Thanks much."

Renee - New York

"Hi Tim,
masks arrived today ... they are stunning!
Bye"

Graziano - Rome, Italy

"The mask is beautiful! It arrived in perfect shape. Hard not to be a collector when I see the beauties that you offer. Thanks"

Mark - Maine

"Hello Tim

Sorry for the slight delay but I just wanted to say how delighted Nicola was with the mask and the picture. They were both in remarkably good condition given the amount of journeying they'd done and that space age packaging of yours is excellent.

Best regards and thanks again"

Ben - London