This is the rating and price for Yoruba Anthropomorphic Janiform Helmet Mask - Epa Cult

Description : Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba, Epa Cult, ca. early 20th century CE. A large scale, hand carved janus headed anthropomorphic helmet mask created by the Epa cult, most likely worn to honor Yoruba ancestors and bring about fertility or a healthy harvest. An impressive piece with boldly carved facial features on each side, including wide, open mouths revealing impressive grills of large, white teeth, almond shaped eyes, small cup-shaped ears, and protruding noses, all adorned with pigments of red, white, and black hues, the complexion showing a white dotted pattern, the eyes and mouths also highlighted with white pigment. The top of the mask is concave, perhaps to receive offerings or a separate coiffure or headdress. A strong example. Size: 13.5 L x 10 W x 13 H (34.3 cm x 25.4 cm x 33 cm) Epa masks are among the largest masks danced by the Yoruba/Ekiti people of northern Nigeria. Furthermore, Epa masks have traditionally been some of the largest masks created in Africa - sometimes weighing up to sixty pounds. This example is a helmet mask that a dancer would wear over the head and rest on his shoulders, hence covering the head entirely. He would see by peering from the open mouth. For further context, see a photo of a Janus Epa mask performing in the northeast of Nigeria in Yoruba. Nine Centuries of African Art and Thought, p. 192. and read about Epa carvings in Northern Ekiti, pp. 189-206. Provenance: Ex- Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970. 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. #113203
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Estimate (low-high) : 1400 USD-2800 USD It's free to register now to view!

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