Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, early 20th century CE. A highly stylized hand-carved wood mask in the form of a yam knife representing one character in the elaborate Njenji procession of male masqueraders who at the beginning of the dry season process from their home village to neighboring villages and then back again. This procession marks the end of an initiation but also gathers the community together in a time of abundance. Most of the masqueraders depict the various types of individuals who make up Afikpo society, from both the past and the present. The yam knife represents the farmer as well as his crop. This example is an oval mask with openwork eyes surrounded by an incised geometric mask painted red, squared off projections highlighting the central ridge, and a long, curved hook shaped crest, incised with red crescent moon and larger white geometric motifs, that rises from the forehead over the head. Size: 5.875" W x 36" H (14.9 cm x 91.4 cm)

Perforations along perimeter and a cylindrical projection on the lower end were created for attachment to the masquerader's costume.

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

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#118410

  • Condition: One age crack running halfway up the hook-shaped crest. Several other age cracks. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Metal suspension hardware attached to underside of mask. Wonderful patina.

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April 12, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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