**Originally Listed At $350**

Western Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A large wooden maiden's mask (Agbohbho mmwo) with a haunting guise painted in a chalky-white hue symbolic of one who dwells in the realm of the spirits. Exaggerated facial features such as petite slit-form eyes, semicircular ears, a slender nose with flared nostrils, and an enormous fanged mouth imbue this mask with a slightly off-putting presentation, and these details are further embellished with applied black and red pigmentation. A pair of concentric circles near each eye as well as a six-pointed star centered on the forehead are indicative of ritual facial scarification which aids in enhancing a woman's inherent beauty. An integral wooden tang projecting from the top enables further headdresses to be attached, and the verso is carved out for wear. Size: 8.5" W x 18.5" H (21.6 cm x 47 cm).

The Igbo are best known for these Maiden Spirit masks which are danced by men at agricultural festivals as well as funerals of important members of the village, intended to capture the purity, youth, grace, and beauty of deceased maidens. These men who dance the agbohbho mmwo masks also traditionally wear colorful fiber costumes to entertain with performances featuring exaggerated versions of traditional women's dances.

Provenance: private Stephen Farr collection, Dallas, Texas, USA

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#138270

Losses to part of one ear and areas of peripheries. Minor nicks and abrasions to teeth, head, forehead, tang, and verso, with light fading to original pigmentation, and inactive insect damage. Light earthen deposits throughout.