Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Igbo, Agwa village area, ca. mid 20th century CE. Made in the southwestern region of Nigeria, this style of mask is from a masquerade. It is carved of light wood, with an elongated face, a triangular shaped nose, and high curved eyebrows above small eyes. The forehead is accentuated with raised and painted scarification marks. The open mouth displays fierce, red-painted teeth. A tall crest rises from the top of the head, forming an interesting coiffure. Size: 6.1" W x 11.5" H (15.5 cm x 29.2 cm)

These masks were worn by a male dancer called "Okoroshi" who embodies the character of "Agiriga." These entertaining masquerades were cosmologically determined to coincide with propitious periods in the agricultural calendar and occurred in yearly cycles. The most important festival masquerades occur during the peak of the rainy season, and herald the eating of the "New Yam." Yams are the most celebrated and prestigious Igbo foods.

Provenance: ex Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

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#130720

  • Condition: Surface wear commensurate with age, with small chips, surface cracks, and nicks. Pigment in nice remaining condition as shown. Inactive insect damage on surface, with some losses to the top of the crest.

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March 1, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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