Clearance - Ancient, Ethnographic & Asian

Mumuye Helmet Mask, Nigeria

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Start price: $325

Estimated price: $700 - $1,000

Buyer's premium:

West Africa, Nigeria, Mumuye Peoples carved wooden horizontal helmet style mask with multi-colored ribbed design and a reddish mineral pigment. Such masks were known as grandmothers, or old women, with their orb-like round eyes, grooved hairstyle in relief, and open protruding mouth. These types of masks were used during the Vabong Initiation ceremony. Size 17 1/2" H x 8 1/4" W

Pigmented and clay applied carved wooden mask meant to represent a female spirit in a masquerade called Vabo, which appears at funerals and other important occasions. The clay between the eyes have bright-red abrus seeds and a mirrored backing to the iris. The reverse edge is held with wrapped with fibers and rope to the top.

Condition: Wear and losses commensurate with age and use throughout.