Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Ijo people, ca. 19th century CE. This is a rare wooden ceremonial mask of an abstract zoomorphic form. The verso has a square hollow area for wearing on the forehead. The brow projects over the elongated and triangular visage which consists of raised diamond shaped eyes, a nasal ridge, and a O-shaped cavity on the very tip of the chin. The brow is pierced with a few dozen holes for suspension and additional ornamentation. The Ijo are maritime people who live along the coast and rivers of the Niger delta, and water spirits known as owuamapu play an important role in religious beliefs. Celebrations with masked dancers are held to honor these spirits, and masks, like this example often combine stylized human and animal features. Size: 12.5" L x 4" W (31.8 cm x 10.2 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Jersey City, New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Robert van der Heijden collection, Netherlands

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169903

  • Condition: Stable pressure fissures and abrasions throughout. Losses around eyes, nose, and top of head due to old inactive insect activity. Weathered and aged patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 24, 2022 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000