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Description

An Urhobo Mask, "oniedjo"

Mask, "oniedjo" Urhobo, Nigeria Ohne Sockel / without base Wood. H 47,5 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Ambre Congo, Pierre Loos and Thomas Bayet, Brussels. - 1970-2005: Private collection. - Galerie Ambre Congo, Pierre Loos and Thomas Bayet, Brussels. - 2006: Private collection in French-speaking Switzerland. A certificate (Certificat d'authenticité) from Pierre Loos will be given to the buyer. Described by Pierre Loos in 2006 as follows: "Un masque anthropomorphhe Uhrobo, du Nigéria, de première génération, qui possède encore les pigments rouges, noirs et blancs d'origine. One of the two cornes de la coiffe has a restauration locale ancienne. This mask, of a style known in the various works of reference on the Uhrobos, presents a fine patina of use and all the criteria that allow it to certify its antiquity." ----------------------------------------------------- In the shallow coastal region of the Niger Delta, the numerous rivers with their hundreds of shallow tributaries swell in the rainy season to form a veritable labyrinth of streams and waterways that are connected to the lagoon coast. These fish-rich waters are the livelihood of the local peoples and have facilitated trade contacts between neighboring ethnic groups and with Europeans as transport routes. In this environment, water spirits (edjorame) became important as spiritual forces for the prosperity and well-being of the local population. These powers reside in the water as a whole, which is under their control as much as its users. Regular dances to music and song (oworu) often serve as entertainment, but usually also have a deeper meaning in the worship of these water spirits in order to secure their benevolence. This female mask belongs to the variety of beings that appear on various occasions in a white dress. The white lime deposited on the banks of the rivers is the transition between land and water. It also symbolizes the spiritual interface between the worlds in dance. It is most likely to be a youthful beauty (omotokpokpo) who is also understood as a bride or child of the spirit. Indications of this are the elaborate hairstyle, the impressive scarification marks and the encrusted polychrome frame. The red color is intended to evoke the beautiful tone of skin rubbed with oil and generally stands for fertility, beauty, class and dignity. Further reading: Foss, Perkins (2004). Where Gods and Mortals Meet. New York: Museum for African Art. CHF 4 000 / 6 000 Weight in grams: 761 Condition: The condition (any wear, signs of use, tears, any other deterioration and the signs of age, etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions ([email protected]). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.

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An Urhobo Mask, "oniedjo"

Estimate 4 000 - 6 000 CHF
Starting price 3 000 CHF

* Not including buyer’s premium.
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Sale fees: 26 %
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For sale on Saturday 29 Jun : 15:00 (CEST)
basel, Switzerland
Hammer Auktionen AG
+41444000220
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