This is the rating and price for 20Th C. Colonial African Igbo Wood Headdress Sculpture

Description : **This item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping cost prior to bidding** West Africa, Nigeria, Igbo people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A massive sculptural wooden mask and headdress that depicts traditional Igbo culture with the overshadowing figure of a colonist in the center. Forming the base is a large cylindrical helmet cap with strap piercings for the wearer. At the center is a tall, white European man with a pith type of hat, flanked by large hornbill birds, their beaks dramatically arching downward. Perched around the man are figures including a mother nursing her child, a woman carrying a bundle with cotton straps, a man holding a clock, a woman with a rooster attached to her waist, and some abstract demon or spirit figures. White visages that probably represent Amadioha or other masks are set into the helmet below the figures. Although enormous, the wood is somewhat lightweight and could be balanced on a performer's head for a short duration during the masquerade or kept on display in a shrine to direct prayers. Size: 18 Diameter x 34 H (45.7 cm x 86.4 cm) These masks traditionally are used to represent important roles in the community and serve as entertaining artistic expression and cultural commentary. The main figure wearing a pith helmet hat is a telling sign of colonialism in Nigeria. For a similar example please see the British Museum’s website, museum number: Af1954,23.522. Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s 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. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #170527
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Estimate (low-high) : 3000 USD-4000 USD It's free to register now to view!

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