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.

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#118575

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

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August 6, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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