Helmet mask "epa" · Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3037076
American Private Collection
Description
wood, encrusted dark brown patina, crowned by a phantastic being, striking big angular mouth with raised rim, rep. (breakage at the tail), large missing part through insect caused damage at the back, slight traces of abrasion;
used at “epa” celebrations, which last for several days and should ensure the well-being and fertility of the village community. Young men proof their skills and strength by carrying such high tapering and heavy masks on top of their heads, while dancing and jumping.
The object Helmet mask “epa” with the object ID 3037076 was last part of the auction 77th tribal art auction at June 28, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 338.
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