{"product_id":"african-carved-hardwood-mask-petal-crest-2c98","title":"African Carved Hardwood Mask, Petal Crest \u0026 Abstract Face, West Africa - 2C98","description":"\u003cp\u003eA strikingly elongated and formally abstract African face mask in dark polished tropical hardwood. A piece of considerable sculptural elegance, it occupies the fascinating territory between traditional West African mask-making and the modernist abstraction that African art inspired in the twentieth century. At 31 × 5 × 4 cm, this is a work of extreme formal refinement. The face is reduced to the barest suggestion of features against a surface of deep, fluid polish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Form Is the Statement\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere other masks in this series assert their presence through elaborate scarification programs, dramatic crest silhouettes and fully modeled features, this piece achieves its effect through radical reduction. An elongated ov\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg\u003eal face of extraordinary narrowness, the surface polished to a deep, warm brown. The light catches it with fluid, organic movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe facial features are present but barely. A long, shallow nose ridge runs almost the full length of the face, rising so gently from the surface that it reads more as a shadow than a projection. Eye forms are implied rather than carved, suggested by the subtlest modulation of the surface plane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a face that reveals itself slowly, differently in different light. It is a mask that rewards patience and contemplation in a way that more explicit carving cannot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Petal Crest\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crest is a multi-petal leaf or flower form. Four or five broad, flat petals radiate outward from the crown of the head, like the calyx of a large tropical flower or the spread leaves of a palm. Each petal is carved from the same piece of wood as the face below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grain runs across the petal faces in parallel lines, giving them a natural, organic texture distinct from the smooth polish of the face. The overall silhouette has the graphic elegance of a botanical illustration and the formal authority of a work of sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Wood\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood is dark tropical hardwood, deeply polished on the front face to a warm, rich brown of great depth and warmth. The natural grain is visible beneath the polish as a subtle undulating pattern. The back is left entirely unfinished — raw pale wood. The contrast between front and back is as dramatic as the contrast between the mask's public face and its private interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single hanging hole is drilled near the top of the back — simple, functional, unadorned. The base terminates in a smooth rounded oval spatula form, a clean, elegant conclusion to the elongated body, like the handle of a ceremonial paddle or the base of a ritual staff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: Decorative carved wood mask \/ African abstract art object\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStyle: West African abstracted mask — Punu\/Fang-influenced (Gabon\/Cameroon tradition); petal\/leaf crest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: West Africa \/ Central Africa (Gabon \/ Cameroon, most likely)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge: Mid-to-late 20th century — circa 1960s–1980s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Dark tropical hardwood — deeply polished front; raw unfinished back\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnique: Hand-carved; natural polish finish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 31 × 5 × 4 cm \/ 12.2 × 2.0 × 1.6 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisplay: Single hanging hole on reverse — ready to hang\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesign: Extreme elongation; abstract minimal face (shallow nose ridge, implied eyes); multi-petal leaf\/flower crest; rounded spatula base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Good — front polish intact; hairline crack on back edge (disclosed, not visible from front)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectibility: Abstract\/modernist aesthetic — strong crossover appeal to contemporary art and design collectors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front face polish and carving are in good condition throughout. A hairline crack or split is visible along part of the back edge — disclosed honestly and not visible from the front. Minor surface wear is consistent with age and handling. Please review the photos carefully, as they form part of the description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy It's Special\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis mask works beautifully as a collectible or as a decorative piece. Its abstract, modernist aesthetic gives it strong crossover appeal to contemporary art and design collectors. It also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves sculptural design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOne Royal Art\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt One Royal Art, we curate distinctive vintage pieces with care. This African carved hardwood mask is ready to join a collection or a home that loves character. Thank you for visiting our store.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"One Royal Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54904375476570,"sku":"2C98","price":16100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0636\/9656\/8577\/files\/2C98_1.jpg?v=1791020329","url":"https:\/\/www.oneroyalart.com\/de-europe\/products\/african-carved-hardwood-mask-petal-crest-2c98","provider":"One Royal Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}