Mask "iki" ·  Nigeria, Djompre · ID: 3035553

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.

The object Mask “iki” with the object ID 3035553 was part of the auction 74th tribal art auction on September 7, 2013. The object with the lot number 210 achieved a sales price of EUR 4,500 with an asking price of EUR 2,500.

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Comparing literature

Berns, Marla C. et. al., Arts of the Benue River Valley, Los Angeles 2011, p. 346, ill. 10.53