A monumental carved wooden janus "Epa" helmet mask with a tall maternity idol on top with painted designs. According to Yoruba customs, to ensure the fertility and welfare of their community, they hold a three-day masquerade festival called EPA every other March. The dances use tall elaborate masks such as this, carved from a single piece of wood and weighing up to nearly 70 pounds, they are traditionally worn by young men who prove their strength and agility in dance performances that include great leaps through the air.The base of the mask (ikoko) is formed by two archaic faces. In contrast, the super-structures features the sweet and serene image of a mother and her children. Yoruba peoples, Nigeria, Africa. The mask measures 42 x 13 inches tall. Provenance: Pierre Vérité gallery 1980, A private Swiss Collection, Amyas Naegele Gallery, New York City. The mask purchase will include the original Pierre Vérité gallery receipt / invoice and a letter stating the collection history from the Naegele Gallery, New York. * a Note on the collector PIERRE VERITE who preempted the major period of interest in tribal art. Member of Parisian artistic community 'La Ruche'. Opened Galerie Carrefour in 1937, with many famous clients including Pablo Picasso and Matisse, perhaps the most famed dealer & collector of the 20th century.

Fair, well worn