Africa, Nigeria, Ogoni peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. This guy is really cool! Hand carved wood face (probably cane wood) with painted details: a kaolin white surface and dark lips, eye outlines, hair, tattoos, and jewelry. The mouth is fully articulated and attached inside is a line of matchstick-shaped wood strung together to form a kind of grill of teeth. The Ogoni people, living in the fertile land east of the Niger River Delta, have a long history of masquerading, despite the efforts of Christian missionaries to stop this activity. Masks are used in a wide variety of situations -- entertainment, participation in rituals, and attending social events like funerals. A white-faced mask like this one is an "elu", a spirit, and would have been worn in such a way that it covered half the face and the wearer had the ability to move the mouth. Size: 6" W x 7.75" H (15.2 cm x 19.7 cm)

Elu masks are danced by young members of secret men's societies that have social, religious, or governmental functions. The small masks are attached to cone-shaped caps of fiber and cloth that cover the heads of the dancers. They are usually danced at annual festivals or at the funerals of society members.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970.

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Slight chipping to the nose and expected wear to the paint;