A Yoruba Epa Mask...

Description

A Yoruba Epa Mask
Nigeria, Middle part of the 20th century

Depicting the "Mother of the Children" in the style of, or from the workshop of, Areogun of Osi Ilorin (c. 1880-1954). The lower section a Janus faced helmet, with the elaborate figurative superstructure above. At center is the mother seated on a four-legged bench, supporting a child seated on each knee. Each child holds a circular fan that rests on the top of the two attendants at front. Both attendants hold a large rope attached to a rooster upon whose backs the mother rests her feet. At her proper right side is a woman holding a bowl and at her left is a man beating a handheld drum. In very good condition, large crack on left side through helmet and rope, smaller cracks on helmet.

Provenance:
Property from the Collection of Dr. Richard and Jan Baum, Los Angeles, CA, purchased April 1986
Michael Sorafine, Los Angeles
Boisgirard and de Heeckeren, Paris, France, as of 1976
African Heritage Documentation and Research Centre catalog #0110016

Exhibited:
DeYoung Museum, San Francisco, CA, "Art of Africa", 2005-2008.

Height: 56 inches

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