Zemanek-Münster

Mask with hinged jaw "elu"

Nigeria, Ogoni
not available anymore
Provenance
Sotheby’s London, 14.5.1979, lot 150
Size
H: 43 cm
H: 16.9 inch

Description

wood, slightly encrusted patina, polychrome paint, crowned by a standing figure, both hands pierced (once holding items), rep. (nose tip, right ear), slight traces of abrasion;
“elu” masks are worn by young men of the “ogoni” secret society. They were attached to a cone-shaped fibre and cloth cap. The corresponding costumes varied. The small caricatures represent different characters. In a funny or tragic way they illustrate oral traditions in stories and songs.


Comparing literature

David, Jean, Ogoni, Zürich 2002, p. 34

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