Africa, Nigeria, Ibibio, ca. early 20th century CE. Impressive for its carving technique, large scale, and powerful visage, this mask possesses striking facial features including open, coffee-bean shaped eyes, a protruding browline, an aquiline nose, elegant raised scarification marks at the temples and forehead, and an articulated mouth revealing carved teeth. The head is crowned with a headband that is meticulously carved with geometric motifs. The Ibibio reside in small village groups and maintain social peace and order through the use of mask and figures that symbolize good and evil spirits. Such a fierce countenance with its articulated lower jaw and sharp teeth represents an evil or immoral person who turned into an apparition following death. A stupendous example with a dark, lustrous patina. Size: 7.25" W x 11.5" H (18.4 cm x 29.2 cm)

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

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#113202

Minor surface wear and abrasions as shown.