A Finely carved wooden mask with heavy black pigment and signs of use and wear. Okoroshi masks are used in ceremonies to honor the water-spirit Owu, an important figure in Igbo spiritual life. Okoroshi masks appear in pairs, known as "Okoroshi Oma" and "Okoroshi Ojo." The "Oma" masks, which are considered female, have finely-carved, regular features, are painted white, and represent the beauty, refinement and graciousness of civilization. The "Ojo" masks such as this one in contrast, was painted black, and is sculpted to represent the most grotesque possible "Evil" aberrations and is considered to be male, and embody the unruly, aggressive and powerful forces of untamed nature. The mask measures 9.25 x 7 inches ( 12.5 inches on professional custom display stand) Provenance: Amyas Naegele Gallery, NYC.

fair, weathered, minor losses to back edge of the mask.