Description:

**Originally Listed At $350**

Western Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A large wooden maiden's mask (Agbohbho mmwo) with a haunting guise painted in a chalky-white hue, symbolic of one who dwells in the realm of spirits. Exaggerated facial features such as a wide, toothy mouth, enormous nose, flared ears, scarification marks, and broad ears imbue this mask with a slightly off-putting appearance; however, these are meant to emphasize the beautiful qualities inherent in youthful females. The Igbo are best known for these Maiden Spirit masks which are danced by men at agricultural festivals as well as funerals of important members of the village, intended to capture the purity, youth, grace, and beauty of deceased maidens. These men who dance the agbohbho mmwo masks also traditionally wear colorful fiber costumes to entertain with performances featuring exaggerated versions of traditional women's dances. Size: 9" W x 11.5" H (22.9 cm x 29.2 cm).

Provenance: ex-Nick Poolos collection, Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired before 1970

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#113783

  • Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear, stable hairline fissures along lateral sides, fading and light losses to pigmentation, small nicks and chips to face and verso, otherwise very good.

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June 7, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000