Particularly early, likely mid 19th century, a scarified crowned male, kneeling, holding a sacrificial vessel. This quite ancient figure, is adorned with green and red coloring. The natural wood with dark brown patina. 7.25" height. Modellos: Here, the start of some numerous rarities, small master carved teaching tool pieces, from numerous tribes, most all outstanding rarities which the Massachusetts Museum had a particular interest in, and built a fine and rare collection. This higher grade of items in the Massachusetts African Arts Museum put an emphasis on certain rarities, namely master carver's miniatures. These carved presentations of a type, in miniature, to be handed around and studied by the masters student body of carvers. The practice and generally only singular output placed these as rather coveted mementos within any tribal 'treasury' and more difficult to acquire. A good number, most from this collection come from African specialists in Belgium and France. In titles, where 'Modello' is written, some initial ones of these great miniature antique pieces, are offered here, most from prior museum and a few other sources.