Shoulder Mask (D’mba)

Culture: Baga artist
Date: late 19th century
Material: Wood, copper alloy
associated with: Boké region, Guinea, Africa
Classification: Costume & clothing, masks
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: On View, Gallery 102
Dimensions: 51 15/16 x 13 3/8 x 24 3/16 in. (132 x 34 x 61.5 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Morton D. May
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 250:1966

NOTES

An upright gaze, crested hairstyle, and decorative facial and body markings identify this mask as an ideal image of a wise woman. Her breasts mark a mature female body, which has nursed and nurtured children. Representing a universal elder-mother, "D’mba" appeared as a communal guardian and guide in the context of welcoming celebrations and important life events such as marriages, births, memorials, plantings, and harvests. Fitted over a dancer’s head and shoulders, this mask towered over the community of adults and children who danced, sang, and drummed to serenade its appearance.

Provenance

- 1964
Carlebach Gallery, New York, NY, USA

1964 - 1966
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, purchased from Carlebach Gallery [1]

1966 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [2]

Notes:
[1] An invoice dated April 26, 1964 to Morton D. May documents the purchase of this object, listed as "23307 Large Nimba Carrying Mask, Baga Guinee [sic, Guinea] Coast" [May Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Although Carlebach Gallery is not identified on the invoice, it is consistent with other Carlebach Gallery invoices and was found within the Carlebach folder.

[2] A letter dated December 29, 1966 from Charles E. Buckley, director of the City Art Museum, to Morton D. May acknowledges the gift of this object [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and Associate Members of the Board of the City Art Museum, January 12, 1967.

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