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Okua Mask, Idoma People, Nigeria
Very nice "Okua" type mask.
The face is covered with fine kaolin. The eyes are half-closed, with a raised nasal bridge extending from the headdress to the tip of the nose. The mouth is open, revealing teeth. The round ears are embossed with pearl earrings. Raised scarification marks between the ears and eyes are typical of these Okua masks.
Besides the quality of the workmanship and its aesthetic success, what makes this mask so original is that it has retained its headdress. The complex headdress gives the mask a wide stature. It is made of woven raffia fabric, on which cowries, strips of fabric, braids of plant fibers mixed with hair, nuts, half-shells and beads are hung. The internal patina is very well marked.
Wood, pigments, hair, fabric, beads, plant materials
Height : 31 cm
First half of the 20th century
Provenance: Norbert boutet collection
The face is covered with fine kaolin. The eyes are half-closed, with a raised nasal bridge extending from the headdress to the tip of the nose. The mouth is open, revealing teeth. The round ears are embossed with pearl earrings. Raised scarification marks between the ears and eyes are typical of these Okua masks.
Besides the quality of the workmanship and its aesthetic success, what makes this mask so original is that it has retained its headdress. The complex headdress gives the mask a wide stature. It is made of woven raffia fabric, on which cowries, strips of fabric, braids of plant fibers mixed with hair, nuts, half-shells and beads are hung. The internal patina is very well marked.
Wood, pigments, hair, fabric, beads, plant materials
Height : 31 cm
First half of the 20th century
Provenance: Norbert boutet collection
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