Anthropomorphic mask · Nigeria, Iyekhoriomo Area, Edo-Bini · ID: 3046636
sold
EUR 4,300
Provenance
Vittorio Mangio, Monza, ItalySize
H: 34 cm
H: 13.4 inch
Description
wood, encrusted patina, kaolin, rep., base
This mask is characterized by particularly beautiful facial features and an elaborate headdress, which shows unusually many different motives.
The Bini live in the villages around the city of Benin. Like the Ishan and Urhobo, they speak Edo. In the area of Iyekhoriomo there were important centers for sculpture.
Masks of the Bini were used for dancing during the “ekpo” cult rituals. They represent clan leaders or dignitaries of high social rank.
Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 262, ill. 140
Publications
AHDRC: 0089652