Mask "epa"
Nigeria, Yoruba
sold
EUR 2,800
Provenance
Galerie Künzi, Oensingen, SwitzerlandArnold Bamert, Solothurn, Switzerland
Sotheby’s London, 29 June 1987, lot 169
Harald & Ursula Suhr, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada / Germany
Size
H: 84 cm
H: 33.1 inch
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.