Mask "epa" · Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3033133
Arnold Bamert, Solothurn, Switzerland
Sotheby’s London, 29 June 1987, lot 169
Harald & Ursula Suhr, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada / Germany
Description
wood, encrusted reddish brown patina, white and black pigment remains, helmet-shaped base, carved with a human face, supporting a kneeling female figure, holding a chicken, pierced around the rim, dam., missing parts (left forearm), 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 Mask “epa” with the object ID 3033133 was part of the auction 70th tribal art auction on September 8, 2012. The object with the lot number 152 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,800 with an asking price of EUR 2,500.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Publications
Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Afrika, Maske und Skulptur, Olten 1989, ill. 77; Arts d'Afrique Noire, no. 46, Galerie Künzi, Switzerland