Ceremonial mask

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Description

wood, shiny dark brown patina, remains of pigments, a long neck crowned by a small head with high crested coiffure and big disc-shaped ears, pierced around the rim, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of abrasion, on metal base;
these ceremonial masks are often called “shoulder” or “yoke masks”, although most of them were not worn on the shoulder but on the head, especially the smaller examples. The larger ones had to be carried by several men, which were hidden by raffia-weave or textiles.

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Comparing literature

Berns, Marla C. et. al.; Arts of the Benue River Valley, Los Angeles 2011, p. 438 ff.

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