**Originally Listed At $150**

West Africa, Southeastern Nigeria, Ogoni, ca. mid 20th century CE. A finely carved, painted wood mask of the Ogoni culture, which is known for human-faced masks with hinged, articulated jaws that allow the mask to "speak." The moveable jaw is attached to the upper part of the face with fiber cords on the left and right sides. This example shows several other common traits of Ogoni masks such as a small, upturned nose and a face that is painted with white kaolin pigment identifying it as an "elu," or spirit mask. The elu represents a deceased ancestral figure. The stark white contrasts with the black scarification marks, lips, eyelids, and tall, crested coiffure. Size: 4" W x 8.25" H (10.2 cm x 21 cm)

The Ogoni people, living in the fertile land east of the Niger River Delta, have a long history of masquerading, despite the efforts of Christian missionaries to stop this activity. Masks are used in a wide variety of situations - entertainment, participation in rituals, and attending social events like funerals.

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

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#130635

Small chips and losses from the wood as shown, commensurate with age. Very small areas of inactive insect damage.