Lot 201: A powerful Igbo facemask

Igbo, Nigeria; H: 16"

A powerful and arresting male facemask. Numerous horn-like appendages projecting in all directions. Varied patina and remains of pigments.

Comments:
This large and grotesque mask, displaying obvious aggressive attributes, fits within the category of masks referred to as “Mgbedike.” Masks such as this express concepts of strength, violence and bravery. However, it cannot be ruled out that this mask may be a mask of the type, known as Ojionu [Cole & Aniakor, 1984. 131]. The impact of this mask would have been even greater were the traditional costumes still intact; a large, shaggy tunic with numerous accouterments. To the Igbo who created and danced with it, this mask represents the embodiment of bravery and potency.

Provenance:
- Zollman Collection, IND
- Gelbard collection, NY

Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. 22, Fig. 49

Exhibition History:
Exhibition History: USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UNIVERSITY of Missouri-
Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005

Price Realized: $1,500

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