Zoomorphic mask · Nigeria, Kantana (Mama) · ID: 3032256
Eduard Hess, Basel, Switzerland
Description
wood, encrusted brown patina, remains of pigments, of stylized form, a raised forehead ridge flanked by strong curved horns, an open mouth below, min. dam., minor missing parts, traces of abrasion;
the Mama use wooden dance crests carved as stylized bushcows or antelopes in the “mangam” masquerade, when they enlisted the aid of the ancestral spirits to ensure a successful harvest. The dancers wear these masks, while their whole body is covered by a garment made of grass.
The object Zoomorphic mask with the object ID 3032256 was last part of the auction 68th tribal art auction at March 3, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 182 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,600.
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Comparing literature
Fagg, William, List, Herbert, Bildwerke aus Nigeria, München 1963, ill. 137