Igbo, Face Mask
30 cm (1'), Nigeria

A rare portrait mask with an expressive face, colored with kaolin. A comb-like central hairstyle divides the head, while to the left and right of the helmet comb, the hairstyle is designed with symbolic-like shapes. A comb at the hairline suggests that this is a female mask. The inside reveals considerable age and indicates the ritual use of this interesting object. This mask is published in the book "The Collection - Gerhard F. Vesely, African Art from Two Millennia" on page 125.
Collection: G.F. Vesely, AT