Masque , Igbo, Nigeria

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Parts of the top of the head-dress missing, some cracks and losses throughout. Intense polychrome.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ce masque, dont on ne connaît qu'un seul exemplaire comparable, illustre l'exceptionnelle créativité des peuples de la Benue. Provenant de la région de Nsukka, il incarne l'histoire complexe - nourrie d'échanges avec les groupes voisins (Ibibio, Igbo méridionaux et Igala) - des Igbo septentrionaux. Les mascarades des cultes Omabe et Odo dont il relève font intervenir une multitude de masques qui sont autant d'inventions individuelles. A la rigueur géométrique de la forme s'oppose l'étourdissant décor pictural mêlant traits humains et motifs géométriques à la polychromie contrastée, dans une composition confinant à l'abstraction.

cf. Cole et Aniakor (1984 : 136), Neyt (1985 : 80, n° II. 52) et Replica Shoes 's (NY, 17 mai 2002, n° 59) pour le seul autre exemplaire connu, anciennement dans la collects ion Azar.