Igala - Nigeria

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