Idoma mask, Okua, Nigeria
Wood
H. 27.5 cm
Idoma mask, Okua, Nigeria
H. 10 ¾ in
Provenance:
- Marceau Rivière
- Private collection
Publication:
- Frédéric Daussy et érik Patrix, Lumière Noire : Arts traditionnels, 1997, n° 44
- Christiane Falgayrettes-Leveau, Signes du Corps, 2004, p.267
- Alain Lebas, Arts du Nigéria dans les collections privées françaises, 2012, p .132
Exhibitions :
- Lumière Noire : Arts traditionnels, , Centre d'Art, Tanlay, June - September 1997,
- Signes du Corps, Musée Dapper, Paris, September 2004 - April 2005
- Arts du Nigéria dans les collections privées françaises, Musée des Civilisations, Québec, October 2012 - April 2013
This feminine mask with its labret of great stylistic strength is well known among the southern Idoma but it is also found in the Middle Cross River among the Boki of which the one in the MET is one of the most beautiful examples (F. Neyt, Les Arts de la Bénué, fig III 53, p.132)
The discoid labret attached to the upper lip marks the aesthetic of this mask. Deep scarifications in relief mark the keloids, the cheeks and the forehead. The eyebrows are hatched. The simple hairstyle has three lobes. The whole is covered with a deep patina.
We use cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience, perform site traffic analysis, and deliver content and advertisements most relevant to your interests.
Cookie management:
By allowing these cookies, you agree to the deposit, reading and use of tracking technologies necessary for their proper functioning. Read more about our privacy policy.