Okwa Idoma mask, Nigeria - Lot 170

Okwa Idoma mask, Nigeria This mask, with its crusty white patina, is a more sober monochrome version of the traditional Okua Idoma mask, where the face is covered with chequered scarification marks. The wide, toothed mouth, which corresponds to the eye design on this work, is nevertheless a stylistic constant. Fissure, erosion of contour 29 x 29 cm Sold without base The Idoma people live at the confluence of the Bénué and Niger rivers. Numbering 500,000, they are farmers and traders. Their art and customs are influenced by Igbo, Cross River and Igala, and it is often difficult to distinguish them from their neighbors. 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. Source: "Art tribal d'Afrique noire" Bacquart , ed. Assouline.