This is the rating and price for Early 20Th C. African Igbo Wooden Maiden Spirit Mask

Description : Western Africa, Nigeria, Igbo peoples, ca. early 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 spirits. Exaggerated facial features such as a wide, toothy mouth, enormous nose, flared ears, scarification marks, and broad ears imbue this mask with a slightly off-putting appearance, however, these are meant to emphasize the beautiful qualities inherent in youthful females. 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. Size: 9 W x 11.5 H (22.9 cm x 29.2 cm). Provenance: ex-Nick Poolos collection, Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired before 1970 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #113783
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Estimate (low-high) : 700 USD-900 USD It's free to register now to view!

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