About the lot N° 104
Title : Ijo Fish Headcrest
Size : measurements note length 44 1/2 in. 113 cm Provenance : Acquired by the present owner in Fumban, 1972Literature : Karl-Ferdinand Schaedler, Gods - Spirits - Ancestors: African sculpture from private German collections, pp. 132-133, fig. 101Christine Stelzig, Afrikanische Masken: Der Tanz der Tiere, Munich, Berlin, London, New York, 1997, p. 17Peter Stepan, Spirits Speak: A Celebration of African Masks, Munich, Berlin, London, New York, 2005, pp. 88-89 and 168, pl. 57Notes : PROPERTY FROM A GERMAN PRIVATE COLLECTIONIn her discussion of the present lot Hahner (in Stepan 2005: 168-169, text to pl. 57) notes: The zoomorphic masks of the Ijo that embody water spirits (bou oru) include many types that depict water animals such as crabs, hippopotami, and crocodiles. The most common motif, however, is fish, especially fish of prey such as sharks, swordfish and hammerhead sharks. These are depicted with striking realism, often having a movable jaw and studded with sharp teeth (or nails). This is not surprising, seeing as the Ijo live by fishing in the Niger Delta and face the threat of these dangerous fish every day.[Fish masks such as the present lot] appear to have been originally developed by the Abua and later adopted by the neighbouring Ijo-Kalabari, Ijo-Okodoa and Ibo-Ekpeye. The works from these various regions are difficult to distinguish on a stylistic basis, yet seperately carved and attached fins, like those seen in the present piece, are considered a trait of Abua masks. In all of these groups in the eastern delta area, the masks are used in the context of the sekiapu cult [...], in which the water spirits are placated and implored to ensure the welfare of the community.Condition report : fine aged partially encrusted patinaSotheby's, auctioneer, New York, US
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Sale title : African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art
Sale date : 16 May 2008
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Sale Reference : Live Sale
