Description:

Nigeria, Igbo people, early 20th century CE. This is a beautiful and striking example of a mask worn by an Afikpo village senior dancer in a village masquerade. Made of wood, it is a white face atop an unpainted cone pierced through to allow it to be attached to a larger mask - this part would go on the top, to be seen above other dancers. The white face has black details of face paint, lips, eyes, eyebrows, and hair. On the back of its head, the hair is a series of wide black and white ridges. Size: 4.8" W x 12.4" H (12.2 cm x 31.5 cm)

The face is depicted with a heavy, square brow, small eyes, and an open mouth full of even teeth. The stories told with these masks are meant to be humorous and fun for the audience, but also to reinforce social values.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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.

#118575

  • Condition: Surface cracks and small chip from top right as shown.

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July 28, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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