FRANKLIN, Mass. - Sept. 6, 2020 - 500 Gallery will make a brief departure from its core business of fine art originals and attributions with the first in a series of all-tribal art auctions, online-only, on Wednesday, September 30th, at 5:30 pm Eastern time. The sale features African tribal sculptures and masks from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century. People can register and bid now, at www.500Gallery.com.
The catalog – a taut 60 lots – is packed with rare examples of Bangwa, Dogon, Baule, Ibibio, Yoruba, Bakongo and Senufo art, gathered over the past few decades by a collector in Massachusetts.
"This auction has an abbreviated, 'teaser' selection from a deep collection of African tribal art that will be coming to market over the next few years," said Bruce Wood of 500 Gallery, adding, "Cataloging it has become a fascinating endeavor and we're looking forward to presenting many surprisingly rare masterworks." Watch the 500 Gallery website for more details as they emerge.
A prime candidate for top lot of the Sept. 30 sale is the early 20th century house post from the Yoruba People of Nigeria (est. $50,000-$150,000). The house post, 73 inches tall and made from carved wood enhanced with pigments, is designed to stand at an entryway, and shows the status of the occupants within. The main figure is a queen, seated on an elaborately decorated stool.
A marital group (or Nomos) from the Dogon People of Mali, estimated to have been made circa late 19th century, is expected to bring $30,000-$60,000. The seated group of eight hermaphroditic figures, with alternating male and female attributes, is dense-wood carved with raised arms and upward stretched fingers, a gesture of praying for special gifts (or, specifically, marital success).
An early 20th century Badu plank mask with a female form from the Nafana People of the Ivory Coast carries a pre-sale estimate of $20,000-$60,000. The 47 ¾ inch by 16 ¼ inch carved wood mask is decorated with a bold abstract design and colored with white kaolin clay and other pigments. The edges are worn smooth and the overall patina gives the mask a warm appearance.
All 60 lots can be viewed in the 500 Gallery showroom, at 1243 Pond Street in Franklin, Mass., by appointment only on Tuesdays and Saturdays. To make an appointment, call 508-834-8190. For more info, visit www.500Gallery.com.
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