Anthropomorphic mask

Description

wood, spread with a thick layer of clay-like mass with red ground coat, eye-zone and oval mouth accentuated with white paint, plug on the parting, metal tags, slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (above all on the back), chapped surface structure, on metal base;
rare mask type, possibly from the Jos Plateau, showing jukunoide influence. Difficult to assign, because masking traditions of the ethnical groups in this area are strongly intermingled. Excellent patina, above all on the inside, referring to long ritual usage.