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205 - Igbo mask, Nigeria, wood, H. 39 cm x W. 18 cm. This extremely rare mask superbly illustrates the convergence of styles and the historical and cultural ties that developed among the cultural groups in the northern part of the Cross River region. The idealized face, with sharp features, is dominated by a slender, aquiline nose, framed by closely set eyes carved into deep sockets and surmounting an open mouth revealing small teeth. The delicacy of the features is accentuated by the narrowness of the face, extended by deep sides, with the ears set far back. The domed forehead is topped by a tall headdress adorned with a sagittal crest; the hair forms regular geometric patterns, deeply engraved and highlighted by the intense dark patina. Finally, there is the extremely rare network of scarifications—notably concentric on each half of the face—found on masks published as early as 1978 by Wittmer and Arnett in *Three Rivers of Nigeria*. *Art of the Lower Niger, Cross, and Benue from the Collection of William and Robert Arnett* (pp. 21 and 29).
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Estimation
€800 - 1,000Sale fees
Igbo mask, Nigeria, wood, H. 39 cm x W. 18 cm. This extremely rare mask superbly illustrates the convergence of styles and the historical and cultural ties that developed among the cultural groups in the northern part of the Cross River region. The idealized face, with sharp features, is dominated by a slender, aquiline nose, framed by closely set eyes carved into deep sockets and surmounting an open mouth revealing small teeth. The delicacy of the features is accentuated by the narrowness of the face, extended by deep sides, with the ears set far back. The domed forehead is topped by a tall headdress adorned with a sagittal crest; the hair forms regular geometric patterns, deeply engraved and highlighted by the intense dark patina. Finally, there is the extremely rare network of scarifications—notably concentric on each half of the face—found on masks published as early as 1978 by Wittmer and Arnett in *Three Rivers of Nigeria*. *Art of the Lower Niger, Cross, and Benue from the Collection of William and Robert Arnett* (pp. 21 and 29).
Auction details
Primitive ArtAuction house
Blanchet & Associés +33 1 53 34 14 44 encheres.blanchet@gmail.comDelivery is optional. You can use the carrier of your choice. The stated price does not include the lot price or the auction house fees.