Facial Mask
Igala · Nigeria
Reference: MFANT-81
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- Height
- 26 cm
- Material
- Wood, bamboo foils and pigments
Impressive appearance of this mask coming from the riverside region Niger and Benué, located south of Idah, capital of the IgalaThese masks were used in the…
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Full original description
Impressive appearance of this mask coming from the riverside region Niger and Benué, located south of Idah, capital of the IgalaThese masks were used in the organized ceremonies to extol the king's power. During these celebrations, nine types of masks appeared, called Agha. Each of these masks represents one of the different categories of facial scarifications of the ethnic group. This mask was also used in the Ikenga cult, which symbolizes creative life and puts all its strength in man's right hand, a hand that symbolizes justice and equity. This old mask, of dark pigmentation and aggressive appearance has open mouth and three teeth represented with bamboo foils. It presents traces of sacrificial patina.
Further technical information
- Width
- 20 cm
- Attributed period
- First third of the century XX or older
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Nigeria. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
