Description:

Africa, Southeastern Nigeria, Ogoni, ca. early 20th century CE. A finely carved painted wood mask of the Ogoni culture who are known for their human faced masks with hinged, articulated jaws and inset teeth as we see in this example. The hinged jaw allows the mask to "speak" and reveals in this case 19 teeth made of pointed, wooden pegs inset in the lower jaw. The moveable jaw is attached to the visage with fiber cords on both the left and right sides. This example shows several other common traits of the Ogoni masks such as a small and wide upturned nose, a face that is painted stark white allowing for a wonderful contrast with the jet black scarification marks, lips, and braided coiffure. Above the visage is a wonderful birdhouse shaped headdress upon which a perky bird perches with its raised tailfeathers. A fabulous Ogoni mask, at once classic and somewhat unique in its design. Such masks are used during Christmas festivals and funerals according to scholar Jean Baptiste-Bacquart. Size: 6" W x 17" H (15.2 cm x 43.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970.

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#113201

  • Condition: Minor surface wear with tiny nick to birdhouse, a few age cracks, and nearly invisible repair to jaw. Perhaps a few missing teeth. Overall in excellent condition with working articulated mouth.

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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