A Very rare, old and interesting wooden mask from the Igbo peoples of Nigeria, West Africa. A powerful and dramatic Okoroshi Ojo mask from the Igbo of Nigeria. Okoroshi masks are used in ceremonies to honor the water-spirit Owu, an important figure in Igbo spiritual life. Okoroshi masks appear in pairs, known as "Okoroshi Oma" and "Okoroshi Ojo." The "Oma" masks, which are considered female, have finely-carved, regular features, are painted white, and represent the beauty, refinement and graciousness of civilization. The "Ojo" masks, in contrast, are painted black, and are flamboyantly sculpted to represent the most grotesque possible aberrations. They are considered to be male, and embody the unruly, aggressive and powerful forces of untamed nature. Carved wood face mask decorated with deep heavy lines, raised tribal tattoos, kaolin clay accents along with other sacrificial matter. The mask appears to be very well used and has a very well handled and worn surface patina. The mask has tribal repairs to the eyes which had worn away, repaired with a slice of wood and some types of tree sap or resin, there is little doubt that this is an authentic and very well used ceremonial mask. The mask measures 10.25 x 6.25 inches. A metal display stand will also be included.Ex~ Merton Simpson Gallery, New York City, NY. **This mask is in the Van Rijn archive (#0012415~01) and was identified by Skip Cole as Igbo Okoroshi Ojo.

Fair, well weathered