West Africa, Northern Nigeria, Mama peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wood mangam mask that evokes an abstract cow form with flat horns and a downward pointing snout. This piece has a concave dome that fits onto the wearer’s forehead - the front features the flat, projecting horns, that curve upward and in, and the lower part of the dome has two protruding tabs that form the snout and jaws of the cow. This mask is highly abstract, and only the horns give the viewer an idea of the animal portrayed. Mangam masks typically represent the bushcow also known as the forest buffalo (Suncerus caffer nanus) and are worn to promote healing, agricultural fertility, and rites of passage. Size: 15" L x 9.75" W (38.1 cm x 24.8 cm)
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, purchased from a private Fort Worth, Texas, USA collection in 2011
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#162913
Condition
Repaired with left horn reattached and right horn tip reattached. Visible break lines with traces of adhesive residue. Stable pressure cracks and surface abrasions. Nice patina and modern wire for suspension.