A rare style of mask made of plant fibers woven together and decorated with red abrus seeds and tufts of cotton. The mask is meant to cover the entire head and was used as part of a masquerade for the men's secret society. The design of this mask and use of red abrus seeds for decoration is similar to the masks used for the Jankai masquerade by the Hausa and other groups within the Plateau State. Jankai is a men's secret society, and the name is a Hausa word meaning "Red Head". Jankai appears at harvest-time dressed in a red helmet mask and billowing cloth garment. the dancer achieves an ecstatic state in which great physical feats are possible, with dizzying whirls and great bounds into the air. The dancer lashes out at bystanders with rods and thorn switches, with such violence that he must sometimes be restrained. This mask measures 16 x 8 x8 inches. A metal display stand can also be included for an additional $50.00. Provenance: A Private New Jersey collection.

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