Lot 218: A Fine skin covered Widikum face mask

Widikum, Cameroon; H: 17"

Of typical form, the bold powerful mask characteristically covered in darkened brown hide. Exceptionally fine condition for its age. Remains of original pigmentation around the mouth and at the hairline.

Comments:
According to the late Dr. Keith Nicklin, this mask was worn during funerary rituals dedicated to members of the warrior society known as Nchibbe. Stylistically, as opposed to the more naturalistic masks made by the Ekoi and related peoples, this mask portrays a more aggressive, fierce visage.

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

Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. 23, Fig. 53

African art in Cultural context (1988) Celenko, T; fig. 13

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: $1,000

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