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

Description : Africa, Southeastern Nigeria, Ogoni, ca. mid 20th century CE. A finely carved painted wood mask of the Ogoni culture who are known for their human faced masks with hinged, articulated jaws and inset matchstick-like teeth as we see in this example. The hinged jaw allows the mask to speak and reveals in this case 19 teeth made of pointed, wooden pegs inset in the lower jaw. The moveable jaw is attached to the visage with fiber cords on both the left and right sides. This example shows several other common traits of the Ogoni masks such as a small and wide upturned nose, a face that is painted with white kaolin pigment identifying this mask as an elu, or spirit mask, which would have represented a deceased ancestral figure. The stark white allows for a wonderful contrast with the jet black scarification marks, grey contoured areas, lips, and incised combed/braided coiffure. Interestingly, the separately carved chin piece is painted a very pale green hue. A fabulous Ogoni mask, at once classic and somewhat unique in its design. Size: 5.5 W x 8.25 H (14 cm x 21 cm) The Ogoni people, living in the fertile land east of the Niger River Delta, have a long history of masquerading, despite the efforts of Christian missionaries to stop this activity. Masks are used in a wide variety of situations - entertainment, participation in rituals, and attending social events like funerals. Provenance: private Arcadia, California, USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago 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. #132250
Price: 311.25 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 400 USD-600 USD It's free to register now to view!

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