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THB20th C. Colonial African Yoruba Wood Epa Headdress
Lot 237
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$3,500 - $5,000
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
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| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Mar 24, 2022
Set Reminder
2022-03-24 10:00:00
2022-03-24 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-9057
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (416)
- Lot Description
West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A massive sculptural wooden Epa mask and headdress that depicts traditional Yoruba culture with the overshadowing figure of a colonist in the center. Forming the base is a large cylindrical helmet cap with strap piercings for the wearer. At the center is a tall, white European man with a pith type of hat, flanked by large hornbill birds, their beaks dramatically arching downward. Perched around the man are figures including a mother nursing her child, a woman carrying a bundle with cotton straps, a man holding a clock, a woman with a rooster attached to her waist, and some abstract demon or spirit figures. White visages that represent Gelede or other masks are set into the helmet below the figures. Although enormous, the wood is somewhat lightweight and could be balanced on a performer's head for a short duration during the Epa masquerade and afterwards they were kept in shrines directing prayers. Size: 18" Diameter x 34" H (45.7 cm x 86.4 cm)
These masks traditionally are used to represent important roles in the community, like farmers, kings, mothers, and priests, and are also used the honor the ancestors who would have performed those roles in the past. The central figure would have represented a king or heroic warrior- often depicted with broad brimmed and beaded hat, surrounded by his attendants. These ceremonial masquerades often serve as entertaining artistic expression and cultural commentary. The main figure wearing a pith helmet hat is a telling sign of colonialism in Nigeria. Many Yoruba artisans created mocking and more light-hearted depictions of foreigners, as seen here, with the white man with a red and likely sun burnt nose and an oversized cap. This Epa headdress likely served as a critique of European relations at the time.
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#170527Fair condition. Losses due to old inactive insect activity and bore holes on the central base and neck area of main figure. Other losses to figures. Several are removable and loosely attached via pegs or tenons. Old repairs with metal plates to bird heads and break lines on beaks and heads. Stable pressure fissure on central figure's hat. Earthen deposits, discoloration, and chipping to pigments.Condition
- Shipping Info
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