West Africa, Nigeria, Ijo people, ca late 19th to early 20th century CE. A wonderful hand-carved wooden mask depicting an abstract anthropomorphic and zoomorphic face. From the front, the lower panel appears to be the elongated chin of a person, but from the sides there are incised lines that create teeth, and these are likely the jaws of a crocodile! The reptilian snout leads up to a large pair of nostrils, a nasal ridge, and protruding eyes. This portion of the visage appears humanoid, and traces of blue pigments highlight the interior of the nostrils and eye sockets. The domed brow is incised with cross-hatched lines that create scales or a coiffure. A short rectangular panel projects from the top. A hemispherical dome on the verso would rest on the wearer's forehead with piercings along the rim for attaching to a costume or additional ornaments. A ceremonial piece associated with the sacred water spirits! Size: 7" L x 9" W x 24" H (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm x 61 cm); 30.25" H (76.8 cm) on included custom stand.

The Ijo are maritime people who live along the coast and rivers of the Niger delta, and water spirits known as owuamapu have played an important role in religious beliefs. Celebrations with masked dancers traditionally have been held to honor these spirits, and masks, like this example, often combine stylized human and animal features.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York City, New York, USA collection; ex-Wolfgang Klein collection, Vienna, Austria

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#163220

Stable pressure fissures and cracks. Chips and losses to rim of dome area. Surface chips and abrasions. Nice traces of painted pigment.