Nigeria, Ogoni people, ca. early 20th century CE. This is a very intriguing cane wood mask from the Ogoni people, made to be worn atop the head, in the form of a transformative human/bird figure. The mouth is pointed downward into a beak, with slitted eyes, a flat nose, and scarification tabs between the eyes and at each eye corner. Painted details give flat, smooth hair on top of the head and a curled beard under the chin. Atop the head is a cauldron, painted a pale yellow brown, with a flat surface marred by a star-shaped hole that is drilled entirely through the contents of the cauldron, the base of the cauldron, and to the top of the head. The same shape has been drilled in the inside of the lower jaw, in roughly the same place. 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. The white-painted face indicates that this is an "elu", or spirit, mask. Size: 5.3" W x 8.6" H (13.5 cm x 21.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Orange County, CA collection

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#118293

Some cracking to wood, with many holes drilled along the sides of the face, indicating it was probably used a great deal. Loss and fading to pigment, especially on the chin.