Mask "oro efe" · Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3033550
German Private Collection (acquired between 1969-1971)
Description
wood, polychrome paint, surmounted by a projecting superstructure, decorated with birds, snakes, and knives, slightly dam., traces of insect caused damage, paint rubbed off;
the crescent above the face suggest that this is a portrayal of a Muslim. The vertical sheathed knives symbolize male power and the courage of hunters and warriors, and hence are a reference to the patron of those who bear arms, i. e. “ogun”, the god of iron. During the opening ceremonies of a “gelede” festival, “ogun” is called upon to protect the masked singers when they take the risk of levelling satirical criticism at those in power.
The object Mask “oro efe” with the object ID 3033550 was last part of the auction 70th tribal art auction at September 8, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 341 achieved a sales price of EUR 800.
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Comparing literature
Witte, Hans, A Closer Look, Berg en Dal 2004, p. 43, ill. 34