19th c. Nigerian Ekpo Igbo Ibibio Ceremonial Horned Deformity or Sickness Mask

Description: This is an antique 19th or early 20th century mask recently purchased from a private collection in New Jersey. It is a ceremonial mask made by the Yoruba people for the Ekpo Society. It is made of carved wood with dark pigment. There are holes carved around the rim of the mask for attaching grass or raffia hair. The eye holes are stylized triangles and there is an air hole in the lips. One each side of the mouth, there are double holes for attaching a strap. This stylized face mask represents a victim of gangosa, a tropical disease that destroys and twists the membranes around the nose and mouth and it shows evidence of much use and wear in Ekpo Society ceremonies and masquerades. Despite it's large size, it is lightweight, only 2 pounds, indicating age. It measures 13" X 11 1/4". Condition: It is very old and the surface is very rough. It has numerous repairs and breaks. One of the horns has a broken tip and the other was broken and repaired with a handmade nail. On the inside of the mask, there are two holes that have been patched with gray mud and there are a lot of tiny insect holes. We purchased the collection of late 19th and early 20th century Nigerian artifacts collected between approx. 1950-70. There are over 50 pieces with a focus on ceremonial, ritual and spiritual tools and also a collection of West African currency manilla bracelets. Many are rare museum quality pieces including Ifa Divination tools, cowrie shrines and fetishes and Eshu figures. Be sure to check my listings for the other pieces from the same collection. All the pieces have been privately held for the last 60+ years by the original collectors and are offered here for sale for the first time. Provenance will be provided to the winning buyer if requested.

Price: 449 USD

Location: Absecon, New Jersey

End Time: 2025-01-05T12:17:40.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD