Igala - Nigeria

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Current bid
€ 40
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Dimitri André
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André

Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.

Estimate  € 250 - € 280
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PTBidder 1824
€40

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Igala mask from Nigeria, early 20th century, carved polychromed wood, 60 cm high, in good condition, provenance: private collection.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

This mask, acquired as Igala, could be from the Ibaji region, where there are many masks with horns that show a strong Ibo influence. The star on the forehead is an ornament found on many Ibo masks. The Igala live in the region near the Niger estuary. Igala mask ceremonies strongly emphasize the values of cooperation necessary in community life. There are two types of masquerades, royal and non-royal. As for the non-royal masquerades, a large number of masks have animal horns, either real or sculpted on the crest, an influence of the Ibo located in the vicinity of Ibaji. Itinerant Ibo sculptors visit Igala villages to carry out commissioned works.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection
Argiles collection, Barcelona

This mask, acquired as Igala, could be from the Ibaji region, where there are many masks with horns that show a strong Ibo influence. The star on the forehead is an ornament found on many Ibo masks. The Igala live in the region near the Niger estuary. Igala mask ceremonies strongly emphasize the values of cooperation necessary in community life. There are two types of masquerades, royal and non-royal. As for the non-royal masquerades, a large number of masks have animal horns, either real or sculpted on the crest, an influence of the Ibo located in the vicinity of Ibaji. Itinerant Ibo sculptors visit Igala villages to carry out commissioned works.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection
Argiles collection, Barcelona

Details

No. of items
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Igala
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Polychrome wood
Condition
Good condition
Height
60 cm
Provenance
Private collection
SpainVerified
Private

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