H x W x D: 27 x 14 x 15.9 cm (10 5/8 x 5 1/2 x 6 1/4 in.)
Type:
Mask
Geography:
Cross River region, Nigeria
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
The carver of this crest mask portrayed its facial features with startling detail, covering the wood with animal skin, then adding body painting, hair and a set of teeth made from a palm midrib. It was used by the Asirikong society, a group of wealthy and powerful men, during ceremonies ranging from entertainments to funerals.
Description:
Skin covered head, human hair, bamboo teeth. Tattooed crescent pattern on forehead.
Published References:
Owczarek, Nina. 2014. "Skin-Covered Masks from the Cross River Region of Nigeria and Cameroon at the National Museum of African Art: A Technical Study." Journal of the American Institute for Conservation 53 (3), pp. 187, 193, nos. 4, 17 (detail).
Parke-Bernet Galleries. 1968. African and Oceanic Art. Auction catalogue (May 25). New York, p. 33, no. III.
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