IMPRESSIVE EMBELLISHED NGERE WOBE MASK Start Price USD 299.90 Current Price USD 299.90 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 329.99 Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, August 23, 2008 End Time Saturday, August 30, 2008 Location TANQUE VERDE VALLEY See more about 'IMPRESSIVE EMBELLISHED NGERE WOBE MASK ' Description  N'GERE/WOBE 16"  x   12" Age 35  +  years   The Bete and Gere people reside in IvorIE Coast, just south of the Guro. Religion, omnipresent in Bete life, aims to maintain a harmonious relationship between nature and the ancestors, who are responsible for the welfare of the     tribe. Elaborate masquerades and ceremonies are performed by the men of       the tribe who belong to dance societies. According to the book, THE TRIBAL   ARTS OF AFRICA by Bacquart: "Bete carvers are renowned for one  particular type of face mask which has exaggerated features- a large   protruding mouth, an elongated nose, with nostrils sometimes extending to each side of the face, and globular eyes set beneath a high domed forehead  carved with a medium ridge. Historically, this type of mask was worn to  prepare men for war; nowadays, it is worn for a variety of ceremonies,  including entertainment dances." These masks were influenced by the  tradition of their western neighbors, the "We". AGE CRACKS -  A GREAT  WELL WORN PATINA CONDITION IS EXCELLENT. SMALL CHIP (in photos), A ONE OF A KIND. IRREPLACABLE , RARE. SHIPPING IS $ 30.00  USA$ 45.00 INTERNATIONAL   VALUE: $ 950.00 + *** Please note that all old used Arts will have minor imperfections, chips, age cracks and other minor irregularities. *** If you cannot live with that or want a perfect piece, Please do not bid as old used items are never perfect. I will try my best to point out anything beyond that in my item descriptions. PLEASE READ THE LISTING BEFORE BIDDING . DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PAY. Return Policy: All items purchased can be returned for a credit  within 14 days if it is not as described (minus shipping costs,). POLICIES: Buyer prepays, plus shipping and handling. INSURANCE is INCLUDED. International postage may  vary depending on country. Winning bidders outside of the United States get Air  Mail. After the auction has ended, I will send you email notification of your winning bid, requesting your shipping information. Upon your reply, due within 3 business days, I will email you with complete information for mailing in your payment or charging through  PayPal (available for U.S. customers and now most International countries). Payments are due within 14 days from close of auction. Seller reserves the right to relist item if payment is not received within stated time.If buying multiple  items , please pay for items as you go (if you use paypal), pay postage later. Please check out my feedback comments left by ALL MY satisfied customers regarding my accuracy of descriptions, quality of merchandise and care in shipping. As an Ebay Power Seller we guarantee our descriptions to be accurate. Sorry, no refunds for buyer's remorse. I invite you to please view my listing of other current eBay auctions. Multiple auctions won by the same bidder can be combined to help save on postage. SELLER RETAINS THE RIGHT TO NOT SELL TO ANY BIDDER  Winning bidders , Please follow the Auto Response          URL and enter your mailing address, so that your merchandise will be sent to the correct address. Payment methods: If paying with a check or money order, follow the CONGRATULATIONS response E mail for our mailing address. If paying with credit cards through PAYPAL, My account ID is:ethnoartsinc@netscape.net E mail THROUGH EBAY if you have any questions or would like an invoice forPaypal.   HAPPY BIDDING , HAVE                                                            A GREAT DAY AND GOOD LUCK Place a Bid!