Western Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A large and wearable wooden helmet mask comprised of a base rim with several perforations, a carved anthropomorphic face, a pair of enormous ears, and an amusing mammalian figure riding on the backside. The face displays almond-shaped eyes, full lips, a broad goatee, and facial scarification markings, all colored in coral and black hues. The peripheral edges of the ears have an incised zigzag pattern, and the interior of each displays a similar pink hue as the face. This type of headdress, the "Egungun," is meant to embody the force of the ancestors and is worn during a joyful ceremony celebrating the dead. Size: 13" H (33 cm).

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired prior to 1970

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#130809

Expected age-commensurate surface wear, several stable hairline fissures across face and base, losses to mammalian ear, and fading to pigmentation, otherwise very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.