Lelna mask, Zuru, Nigeria. - Lot 144

Lelna mask, Zuru, Nigeria. African mask with prominent forehead and zoomorphic tubular machoîre, the end of which bears a fine toothed mouth. The head is adorned with a diadem of cowrie shells, inlaid in a star shape on the forehead and representing a traditional mark, and extended by a band of white kaolin on the bridge of the nose. The crusty patina is partially flaking. 30 x 18 cm Sold without base Mask probably used by the M'gilo secret society that instructs young people in discipline among the Lelna, Lela,( or Dakarkari) of Kebbi state in northwestern Nigeria. The Lelna are a group of non-Muslims of various origins. Their totem animal is the sacred crocodile, to which they make occasional offerings. These crocodiles are also the subject of an annual festival.