Igbo mask - Nigeria
03
days
21
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21
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31
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Current bid
€ 20
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Masque Igbo, a wooden Igbo ritual mask from Nigeria dating to the late 20th century, 38 cm high and 16 cm wide, in good condition, associated with Igbo culture.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Nigeria
Name of the tribe. Igbo
Material. Wood
Dimension. 38 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This mask is a ritual artwork originating from the Igbo people (primarily located in southeastern Nigeria). More precisely, its stylistic features resemble masks used in Mgbedike-type masquerades or ones closer to warrior/young men traditions.
detailed description of its key elements:
1. The overall structure and the face
The central face: The face is sculpted in wood with powerful, angular features. It shows incised scarifications (geometric motifs) on the forehead and cheeks, typical markers of identity and status among the Igbo.
The features: The eyes are narrowly slit to allow the wearer to see while preserving the mask's mystery. The mouth is slightly open, revealing sharp teeth sculpted, which gives the mask an aggressive, fierce or imposing expression, often associated with masculine strength or forest spirits.
2. The crest and the hairstyle
The large sagittal crest: The top of the mask is crowned with an imposing vertical curved structure (a crest). In Igbo art, these complex crests often represent elaborate hairstyles, warrior helmets, or prestige attributes.
The use of buttons: The crest and the base of the forehead are adorned with a row of European shirt buttons in plastic or mother-of-pearl. This is a fascinating element of so-called “contact” or modern African art: the integration of imported Western objects repurposed for decorative and symbolic purposes to signify wealth, novelty, or high social status.
3. Materials and patina
The patina: The mask features a dark patina, crusty in places, resulting from the successive application of natural pigments, organic substances (sometimes sacrificial) and smoke, indicating it was likely used during ceremonies.
Composite materials: Besides wood, there is the use of fabric, leather or animal skins (notably the pouch around the base of the face and along the jaw), as well as metallic elements (nails or attachments) on the sides to fix the textile structure that covered the dancer’s head.
Ritual significance
In Igbo culture, this type of mask is not merely a decorative piece, but the embodiment of an spirit (Mmanwu). While some Igbo masks (such as Agbogho Mmanwu) celebrate feminine beauty and purity with white, slender faces, this one embodies brute strength, masculine power, courage, or the wild aspect. It was performed by male secret societies at funerals of notable figures, during harvest festivals, or in rituals to protect the community.
Origin. Nigeria
Name of the tribe. Igbo
Material. Wood
Dimension. 38 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This mask is a ritual artwork originating from the Igbo people (primarily located in southeastern Nigeria). More precisely, its stylistic features resemble masks used in Mgbedike-type masquerades or ones closer to warrior/young men traditions.
detailed description of its key elements:
1. The overall structure and the face
The central face: The face is sculpted in wood with powerful, angular features. It shows incised scarifications (geometric motifs) on the forehead and cheeks, typical markers of identity and status among the Igbo.
The features: The eyes are narrowly slit to allow the wearer to see while preserving the mask's mystery. The mouth is slightly open, revealing sharp teeth sculpted, which gives the mask an aggressive, fierce or imposing expression, often associated with masculine strength or forest spirits.
2. The crest and the hairstyle
The large sagittal crest: The top of the mask is crowned with an imposing vertical curved structure (a crest). In Igbo art, these complex crests often represent elaborate hairstyles, warrior helmets, or prestige attributes.
The use of buttons: The crest and the base of the forehead are adorned with a row of European shirt buttons in plastic or mother-of-pearl. This is a fascinating element of so-called “contact” or modern African art: the integration of imported Western objects repurposed for decorative and symbolic purposes to signify wealth, novelty, or high social status.
3. Materials and patina
The patina: The mask features a dark patina, crusty in places, resulting from the successive application of natural pigments, organic substances (sometimes sacrificial) and smoke, indicating it was likely used during ceremonies.
Composite materials: Besides wood, there is the use of fabric, leather or animal skins (notably the pouch around the base of the face and along the jaw), as well as metallic elements (nails or attachments) on the sides to fix the textile structure that covered the dancer’s head.
Ritual significance
In Igbo culture, this type of mask is not merely a decorative piece, but the embodiment of an spirit (Mmanwu). While some Igbo masks (such as Agbogho Mmanwu) celebrate feminine beauty and purity with white, slender faces, this one embodies brute strength, masculine power, courage, or the wild aspect. It was performed by male secret societies at funerals of notable figures, during harvest festivals, or in rituals to protect the community.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Igbo mask
Height
38 cm
Width
16 cm
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