Lot 204: An Igbo/Izzi elephant spirit dance crest

Igbo/Izzi, Nigeria; H: 22"

In the form of a mythical beast with composite elephantine features. Cubistically rendered on multiple planes. A complete female figure integrally carved on the reverse of the mask.

Comments:
Masks such as this are made and utilized by an age/grade society among the Northern Igbo and are known as Ogbodo Enyi. Though often referred to as “elephant spirit masks,” the iconography appears to be more complex, combining attributes of numerous animals. Additionally, some feel that senior masks in rank bear large heads on the back or in the case of this example, entire carved figures.
The interplay of dynamic forms in this mask, with both horizontal and vertical implied motion, creates a sense of movement that balances perfectly with the small figure carved on the back of the mask, whose compressed form accentuates the dynamic tension of the entire image.

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. 51

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: $2,200

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