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Yoruba Egungun “Eliti” Crest Mask

The Yoruba people of West Africa make and use several types of masks across a broad range of ceremonies and celebrations.

It’s an exceptionally well-balanced and well-carved crest mask (worn on top of the head) with grooved rows of hair plaits, pierced eyes and nostrils as well as a drum nicely situated between its ears. Even the painted graphic patterning that embellishes the surfaces is carefully delineated with delicately incised lines.

The brightly colored enamel paint used to decorate the mask also exhibit the type of contraction/separation that results from age.

Estimated to have been made in the 1960s or 70s.

I guarantee the authenticity of this mask (made and used tribally) rather than one made solely as decoration.

The base is for photographic purposes only and is not included.

Dimensions

7" wide x 10" deep and 10" tall

Condition

There is a stabilized drying crack on the back of the mask that extends through the coiffure from the center of the head to the rim below the left ear. There is a hole through the mask in the left ear. I don't believe this is "damage" so much as a misunderstanding on the carver's part of the thickness of the mask wall.

$450 shipped lower 48 USA

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