Description:

Nigeria, Ogoni peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. This is a hand carved wood mask (probably cane wood) with painted details: dark lips, eye outlines, hair, tattoos, and jewelry. In the classic Ogoni style, the nose is long and exaggerated. The mouth is fully articulated and attached inside is a line of matchstick-shaped wood strung together to form a kind of grill of teeth. Atop the head is a huge crest. There may be traces of white kaolin pigment on the face or that may be patina. The Ogoni people, living in the fertile land east of the Niger River Delta, have a long history of masquerading, despite the efforts of Christian missionaries to stop this activity. Masks are used in a wide variety of situations -- entertainment, participation in rituals, and attending social events like funerals. A white-faced mask -- if this is one -- represents an "elu", a spirit, and would have been worn in such a way that it covered half the face and the wearer had the ability to move the mouth. Size: 5.25" W x 8.8" H (13.3 cm x 22.4 cm)

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

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#113244

  • Condition: Expected wear but very nice condition to the wood; some original pigment remaining; mouth still full articulated.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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