Property from Very Important Private Collection Provenance: Important Dutch private collection. Mrs. and Mr. D. Gillissen The objects were collated in the 1970’s till late 1990’s. All were bought from reputable tribal art dealers in Amsterdam (Lemaire; Italiaander Galleries, Kunst-en Antiekhandel J S Becker and Paul Rutten Asiatic and Tribal Art) and France (Expert Arts Primitifs Raoul Lehuard) Note: It will be professionally packed and safely sent within 3 working days. Shipped with Insurance! Nigeria, Mama Height: 37 cm. The mask is a carved headdress in the form of highly stylized animal head. Present lot has a human head instead of a animal mouth, which is extremely rare. Only few mask like this one are known. The mask is worn with a thick fiber costume and symbolize a bush spirit. Worn by energetic dancer, the mask is thought to bring prosperity to the tribe. With original old weathered patina. The Mama people live in northeastern Nigeria, on the border of Cameroon, between the city of Jos and the Benue River. The men of the Mama tribe were earlier viewed as powerful warriors. Their typical dance crests in the form of a buffalo or bush cow head belong to the great dance rituals of their ‘Udawaru society’, performed at burials and ceremonies of sacrifice and fertility. They are worn with voluminous full body costumes made of palm leaf strips on the head. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. It will be professionally packed and safely send. Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own country.