This is the rating and price for Mid 20Th C. African Eket Wood Mask

Description : West Africa, southern Nigeria, Eket people, ca. 1940s CE. Hand-carved from dark hard wood on the front side as is customary, this traditional Eket mask presents a characteristically circular form with bas relief triangle motifs around the perimeter to create a star-like effect. The convex visage has a bulging forehead, arched brows, deeply set, generously lidded and lowered slit eyes, a petite protruding nose, a suggested smile, and a pointed chin. The front of the mask is adorned with a thick layer of mocha-hued resin. Size: 7.25 in diameter (18.4 cm) The Eket people comprise a small tribe in southeastern Nigeria. They are neighbors to the Ibibio and Ogoni peoples. A mask like this is traditionally used during harvest festivals by members of the Ekpo secret society who dance in order to give thanks to their ancestors as well as mother earth for a plentiful harvest. In addition to honoring the earth's fertility, these dances also serve to commemorate significant, deceased warriors. Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, acquired in 2012, ex-Andrew Berz at Berz Gallery of African Art, San Francisco, California, USA 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. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #162934
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Estimate (low-high) : 900 USD-1350 USD It's free to register now to view!

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