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 the Okumpka masquerade, the most elaborate masquerade in the village. The mask is called a "Nnade Okumkpa", and the play is closely associated with the village secret society. The mask is made of wood and painted mostly white, with black and red details. The face is depicted with clean, strong lines -- just a heavy, square brown, square eyes, and a long thin nose. Woven rattan forms a dynamic horned headdress and a backing to enable the wearer to hold the mask. The stories told with these masks are meant to be humorous and fun for the audience, but also to reinforce social values. Size: 4.25" W x 16.25" H (10.8 cm x 41.3 cm)

For similar pieces, see: Masked Rituals of Afikpo, the Context of an African Art; Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1975. P. 37, fig. 14.

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

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#113200

  • Condition: Expected wear; with original rattan.

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May 12, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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