Royal Ceremonial Mask - Igbo Peoples, Nigeria

H: 25 inches, W: 10 inches, D: 10 inches

Materials: Wood, Kaolin ( white clay)

The Igbo occupy the plateaus of southeastern Nigeria, along the Niger River, wih a population of about eleven million. They have a variety of art forms and cultural practices because the people are decentralized in groups. Some of their masks and statues are used and danced by young men during harvest celebrations and ceremonies held annually in honor of the earth spirits. Carved out of a single block of wood, this intricately and rare Igbo mask adorned with a crown, with three animal motifs on top, represents a wealthy royal figure who commands enormous respect in the village. He embodies the ultimate ideals of strenth, wisdom, stature and dignity, and is a leader among his peers. This mask was worn in performances at ceremonies that purify the village, and the community. Kaolin (white clay) is the color of the spirit.

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