Lot Essay
Masks such as this were worn at night by young and middle aged men to combat "perceived violations of social norms" as well as sometimes during burial ceremonies (Cole and Aniakor, 1984, p. 132).
Property of MR. and MRS. STANLEY MARCUS
AN IBO HELMET MASK
Details
AN IBO HELMET MASK
With large oval head, upturned pierced mouth with sharp prominent teeth, thin nose with flaring nostrils, arched brows, projecting ears of arc shape, surmouned by a superstructure with two seated male figures between crescent horns, one an executioner holding a sword and a human head, the other holding a bowl with its handle in his mouth, a double headed antelope behind both figures with hornbills on its back, two birds facing in one direction and one in the other, black pigment with yellow accents, 34¼in. (87cm.) high
With large oval head, upturned pierced mouth with sharp prominent teeth, thin nose with flaring nostrils, arched brows, projecting ears of arc shape, surmouned by a superstructure with two seated male figures between crescent horns, one an executioner holding a sword and a human head, the other holding a bowl with its handle in his mouth, a double headed antelope behind both figures with hornbills on its back, two birds facing in one direction and one in the other, black pigment with yellow accents, 34¼in. (87cm.) high
Provenance
Julius Carlebach, New York