A small carved wooden mask painted in Black and white kaolin clay pigments, with stylized coiffure , incised design as well as a retractable lower jaw. Such masks are rather small to be worn on the face, so traditionally the elu mask is instead attached to a conical cloth cap that covers the entire head of the dancer. The hinged jaw causes the mask’s mouth to open and close during the dance with a clicking sound. Such masks are worn by members of secret men’s societies during festivals and at funerals of important members of the society. Ogoni peoples, Nigeria, Africa. The mask has been professionally mounted and measures 9 x 5 inches ( 13.5 inches tall on professional custom mount). Provenance: DR's Jean and Noble Endicott, New York.

Good, very well handled