**Originally Listed At $200**

Western Africa, Eastern Nigeria, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A large and rather unusual hand-carved wooden helmet mask of an abstract, hybrid zoomorphic (perhaps simian) or anthropomorphic form, its dramatic visage comprised of beady, widely-spaced, ovoid eyes, an exceedingly-voluminous nose with enormous nostril holes, and huge cup-shaped ears. The rounded head displays multiple perforations for 'hair' or other adornments. A single white stripe is painted from the forehead to the upper lip, and black- and red-painted details accentuate areas of the face. Though difficult to assign to a specific tribe, an expert we consulted suggested that the mask may be from a borderland region of Eastern Nigeria - perhaps Ibibio, Igala, etc. or a hybrid variant. Size: 10" W x 11.5" H (25.4 cm x 29.2 cm).

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

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#130728

Age-commensurate surface wear, light chips and nicks throughout, with fading to pigmentation, otherwise intact and very good. One large hairline fissure stretches from top of head to underneath bottom lip.