Mask with articulated lower jaw "karikpo"

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Description

wood, pigments, collection number “75704” (M. Willborg), insect caused damage, missing parts, attachment (lower jaw) renewed/ just small remains of original binding

What is remarkable about this mask is that it combines human and animal features and therefore does not correspond to the classical form of the “karikpo” (antelope) masks. For two more masks of this rare type see AHDRC 0098986 and 0150188.

“Karikpo” masks are used at the beginning of the farming season in ceremonies honoring the local founding ancestor. The mask is worn by a dancer who incorporates racing and graceful acrobatics into his performance and is accompanied by a dancer wearing an “ugly” mask who behaves in a wild and erratic fashion.

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Comparing literature

Wittmer, Marcilene K. & William Arnett, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 48 ff.

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Publications

Särnstedt, Bo et. al., Före / Before Picasso, Afrikansk konst i svensk ägo / African Art in Swedish Collections, Stockholm 1988, Cat. No. 269

AHDRC: 0139070

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Exhibition

Stockholm, Sweden, Liljevalchs Konsthall: "Före / Before Picasso, Afrikansk konst i svensk ägo / African Art in Swedish Collections", 2 December 1988 - 15 January 1989; Humlebaek, Denmark, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: "Före / Before Picasso, Afrikansk konst i svensk ägo / African Art in Swedish Collections", Winter 1989

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