Royal Ceremonial Mask, Igbo Peoples, Nigeria

H: 23 inches, W: 10 inches, D: 11 inches

Materials: wood, Kaolin

Circa: Early 20th Century

The Igbo people have variety of art forms and cultural practices, because they are decentralized in groups.  Some of their masks are worn and danced by young men during annual yam harvest festivals and ceremonies held in honor of the earth spirit.  Other masks such as this one, are danced at royal functions related to divinities of water spirit (owu). During raining seasons most daily activities are interrupted for a month, in order to celebrate the advent of the water spirit. 

There is obvious restoration on the side of the mask, and also shows aged patina. However, this mask is very rare, and is in perfect condition