During a recent probate valuation in Cowley Avenue, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9JL, probate valuers report includes African tribal mask
Probate Valuation Of Tribal African Mask
Avery Associates regularly carry out RICS probate valuation in Surrey, and it was during a probate valuation of chattels in Cowley Avenue, Chertsey that the African mask was discovered. We have also carried out probate valuation in Charlwood, Chelsham, Chiddingfold, Chilworth, Chipstaed, Chobham and Claremont, but it was during the probate valuation of house contents in Chertsey that the African mask was uncovered.
The History And Meaning Of African Masks
Masks of Africa are thought to be some of the most valuable and sought after pieces of art by collectors around the world. They are priceless in value and are said to hold the keys of connecting the living with the dead. Among African tribes, masks of Africa are believed to portray the faces of gods and spirits. Because of this, African masks are very often designed with the characteristics of animals and humans. All face and head ornaments for Africa rituals and ceremonies fall into one of four categories of which theses are three.:
- the ancestor spirit
- the mythological hero
- the combination of ancestor and hero and the animal spirit
Ceremonies in Africa have substantial traditional and cultural importance. Recent understanding of the principle Aesthetics, religious and ceremonial values have given a better insight into the moral values that African artists convey in their art. African masks most times stand for a spirit and it is deeply and sincerely alleged that the spirit of the ancestor possesses the one wearing the mask. Masks of human ancestors or of mythical beings or animals that a clan or family can trace its ancestry to are sometimes the object of family pride, when they are considered as the place where the spirit now is living (possessing), may honor the masks with ceremonies and gifts. Some cultures also suggest that wearing a mask allows the wearer to take on the characteristics of the mask’s specific representations, i.e., a lion mask will cause the wearer to have the attributes of a lion. Dance is commonly involved in the use of the masks of Africa.
Rituals that include the use of or the ceremonial values of African masks span from childbearing/birth to rites of passage ceremonies (typically involving some form of dance rituals). Examples of dance rituals involving African masks are:
- Agricultural festivals
- Rituals for increase (money, property, children and others)
- Rituals for rites of passage
- Ancestor cults
- Initiations including secret societies
- Related Ceremonies
- Fertility rites
The size and style of the masks of Africa are varied, portraying animals, human faces and more abstract styles in different sizes.
Our RICS probate valuation will ensure that the chattels are not under or overvalued.
To reduce risk and avoid the possibilities of Inheritance Tax Investigation call Avery Associates for an accurate and professional RICS probate valuation in Surrey – Call 0800 567 7769
