West Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A wonderful carved-wood helmet mask embellished with black and white paint. Intricately incised with a lovely geometric pattern along its forehead, the intriguing vizard presents slender, almond-shaped eyes under a curved brow, a narrow, pointy nose, and a full-lipped mouth held open to display top and bottom rows of square teeth. A pair of petite ears flanks the unique visage, while a series of annular drill holes line the periphery, perhaps for attaching ornamentation or allowing the piece to be strapped to a costume and worn. This mask could possibly be an Ogbojeda (or “fool”) mask, which was used for the Okperegede Masquerade, a traditional gathering that commemorates the reunion of the living community with their ancestors via a multi-character masked performance. Size: 7.75" W x 11.625" H (19.7 cm x 29.5 cm)
Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s
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#134505
Condition
String tied to back for suspension and collection label on interior. Small chip on lower left rim with stable fissure running to tip of chin. Chip to right ear. Expected light surface wear with a few minor scratches and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, very nice with excellent remaining pigments.