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Description : Africa, Nigeria, Igala, ca. early 20th century CE. A grand helmet mask, expertly carved from one piece of wood, for ceremonies that celebrate the might of the king. Nine types of royal helmets known as Agba in addition to non-royal character masks are used in these ceremonies. This example is of an ovoid shape, replete with intricately incised scarification marks upon the forehead and hairline, a peaked cap also incised with elaborate zigzag and linear designs, topped with dark brown cords of twisted fibers, and elegant facial features including protruding heavy lidded eyes detailed with scarification markings and a trio of openwork vertical motifs below each open eye perhaps representing tears, small rounded ears, and a protruding, slightly open mouth. The surface is blackened and highlighted with red and white pigments. Perforations at neckline for attaching to costume. Size: 17.25 L x 8.5 W (43.8 cm x 21.6 cm) It is also possible that this mask represents an ancestral spirit or an identity within the complex socio-political state of the region. Acdording to the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Over time, the western Igala have developed a highly evolved artistic complex of masks and masquerades to represent the spiritual relationship between living members of the community and the ancestors. The masks are an expression of the cult of the ancestors and a physical representation of both collective and individual ancestor figures. They also reflect the cultural, ethnic and political reality of the diverse Igala state. Among the most important masking complexes of the Igala are the so-called central public masquerades known as Egwu-Ata. While ostensibly under the direct control of the ruling house, each mask exists in an individual clan or group that keeps, cares for and performs it. Each masquerade exhibits certain physical characteristics that identify the group and its relationship to the larger community. Together these masks signify the state or nation. ( Provenance: Ex- Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL 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. #113240
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