Janiform helmet mask "asufu" · Nigeria, Igbo, Ezza / Izzi · ID: 3052188
not available anymore
Provenance
Rolf Kunitsch, Münster, GermanyWerner Zintl, Worms, Germany (1997)
Size
H: 36,5 cm
H: 14.4 inch
Description
wood, kaolin,
A similar “asufu” mask is published by Schädler, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, Munich 2009, p. 47.
“Asufu” embodies a great warrior and cultural hero of the Izzi people, who protected them in times of war. The masks were used in the “okpegerede” dance.
The object Janiform helmet mask “asufu” with the object ID 3052188 was last part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale at September 24, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 195.
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Comparing literature
Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, Munich 2009, p. 47 (same carver)