Mask "iki" · Nigeria, Djompre · ID: 3035553
sold
EUR 4,500
Provenance
Pierre Robin, Paris, France (1990’s)Size
H: 49,5 cm
H: 19.5 inch
Description
light brown wood, lusterless blackish brown patina, remains of kaolin, combining features of various animals: strong horns, tusks and open snout, covered with remains of clay-like mass, originally inset with abrus seeds, pierced around the rim, rep. (breakage right horn tip), missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of abrasion, socle;
the Djompre are a small ethnic group with their homeland in the Benue Plateau State in northern Nigeria, between Takum and the border to Cameroon. They call themselves “Kutep” or “Kutev”, the denomination “Djombre” - which means “cannibals” - has probably been given to them by the neighbouring Chamba.
Comparing literature
Berns, Marla C. et. al., Arts of the Benue River Valley, Los Angeles 2011, p. 346, ill. 10.53