The Yoruba people of West Africa make and use several types of masks across a broad range of ceremonies and celebrations. This is a crest mask, worn on top of the head, used in Egungun masquerades — the rabbit-eared character depicted is known as “Eliti.”
It’s an exceptionally well-balanced and well-carved example, with grooved rows of hair plaits, pierced eyes and nostrils, and a drum nicely situated between the ears. Even the painted graphic patterning that embellishes the surfaces is carefully delineated with delicately incised lines.
The brightly colored enamel paint exhibits the 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 made solely as decoration.
The base is for photographic purposes only and is not included.
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.
10% of all in-store and online sales will be redirected to local not-for-profits. Details here.
