Okua Idoma facial mask, Nigeria - Lot 116

Okua Idoma facial mask, Nigeria A naturalistic African facial mask, associated with funerary rites, it features a white clay-coated face marked with the traditional vertical barred keloids, also found on the Igbos, protruding cheekbones beneath large eye sockets, and carved teeth. Locally abraded light patina, black and red ochre highlights 29 x 19 cm The Idoma settled at the confluence of the Bénué and Niger rivers. Numbering 500,000, they are farmers and traders. Their proximity to, and influences from, the Igbo, Cross River and Igala ethnic groups led to stylistic borrowings and great tribal similarities. Members of the royal lineage of their oglinye society, glorifying courage, use masks and crests at funerals and festivities. They also produce fertility statues with bleached faces and incised teeth. Janiform crests are usually displayed at notables' funerals. Members of the Kwompten male society used statues called goemai for healing rituals.