Mask · Nigeria, Idoma · ID: 3032623
Description
wood, polychrome paint, of concave vaulted form, the eyes arranged close to each other flanked by raised tattoos on the temples, the teeth indicated by notches, coiffure of reddish animal hair, pierced around the rim, missing parts through insect caused damage, slight traces of abrasion, on metal base;
probably an “ikpobi” mask type, which was used for victory celebrations at dances performed by returning warriors, while the heads of killed enemies were presented as trophies. Nowadays “ikpobi” mask figures appear in pairs of male and female mainly at funeral ceremonies.
The object Mask with the object ID 3032623 was last part of the auction 69th tribal art auction at June 2, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 322.
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Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 58