An Igala Helmet Mask, egwu agba...

Description

An Igala Helmet Mask, egwu agba
Ibaji region, North Nigeria, 20th century

Blackened wood in form of a large head, the face with semi-closed coffee-bean shaped eyes; tight parallel scarification marks from cheeks to hairline. Two long "whiskers" (scarification lines) rise from corners of the mouth to hairline. Wing-like raised ridges from upper back of neck swooping to a point at sides of face. Circular ears. In good condition, appropriate for its age and mediums, with signs of many years of use as a helmet mask: thick encrustations on the head, the lower perimeter with chips, abrasions, losses, and a two-inch crack on proper left side.

Provenance:
Property from the Private Collection of Dr. John Ross Sr.
Robert and Patricia Berg, San Diego, CA

Height: 14 inches

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