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

before 1959 - 1964
Carlebach Gallery, New York, NY, USA [1]

1964 - 1966
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, purchased from Carlebach Gallery [2]

1966 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [3]

Notes:
[1] This work was included in the Totems Not Taboo exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Febraury 26–April 23, 1959. The corresponding publication does not illustrate the work, listing it as "Lent by Carlebach Gallery." ["Totems Not Taboo: An Exhibition of Primitive Art." Houston: Contemporary Arts Association, 1959, p.27.] Correspondence from Paul Davis, Curator of Collections at The Menil Collection, and installation images from The Menil Collection archives provide additional documentation [SLAM document files].

[2] An invoice dated April 26, 1964 to Morton D. May documents the purchase of this work, 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.

[3] 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 Control of the City Art Museum, January 12, 1967.

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