Nigeria, Ogoni people, ca. early 20th century CE. A white-faced, hand-carved wooden dance mask with a hinged jaw, an elaborate coiffure, and a beak-like mouth extension. There are also facial markings that are probably representative of real ornamentation styles. 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: 5.75" L x 5" W x 8.4" H (14.6 cm x 12.7 cm x 21.3 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Peter Arnovick collection, Los Altos, CA

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#116174

Expected age wear; slight chipping to paint, with good pigment remaining.