This mask was carved in the style of the Yoruba people of Nigeria but was most likely created for the selling market. The mask has a figure on top with articulated arms, one in which is missing. The face of the mask is missing part of the chin and there is cracking and wear and tear. The mask measures 23.5 inches tall and weighs 4 pounds. Stand not included but one can be added for an additional charge.
Decorative Yoruba Style Mask 23.5″ – Nigeria – African Art
$95.00
1 in stock

Type of Object | Mask |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Nigeria |
Ethnicity | Yoruba |
Material | Wood, Pigment |
Approximate Age | Unknown |
Height (Inches) | 23.5" |
Width (Inches) | 7.5" |
Depth (Inches) | 7" |
Weight (Pounds) | 4 lbs |
Overall Condition | Figure on top missing arm. Part of chin broken off. Cracking. |
You must be logged in to post a review.
Tribe Information
About the Yoruba People
The Yoruba are the largest cultural group on the African continent, with nearly 40 million people. The word ‘Yoruba’ describes both the language and a tribe living across Nigeria and the Popular Republic of Benin, in an area of forest and savannah.
Geography
The Yoruba people’s primary living space is South-West Nigeria with substantial Yoruba communities in Benin, Togo and Sierra Leone but they are not bound by state or country borders. This area is often referred to as “Yorubaland”. Most of the terrain is either forest, woodland savannah, rich farmland or coastal swamps and lagoons.
History
The origin of the Yoruba people in Nigeria is heavily debated. Some believe they came from the east in Mecca, some say from the north in Egypt. Evidence shows that ethnically, Yoruba’s have been in the area known as Yorubaland since the 7th century BC. Scholars believe the area was probably inhabited earlier by peoples of the Nok culture. Yorubaland covers the modern-day countries of Nigeria, Togo and Benin. The term Yoruba to describe ethnicity, did not come about until the 16th century and wasn’t widely used until the 19th century. Before then, the Yoruba people were known by many names depending on who was acknowledging them. For instance, the Europeans referred to them as Akú, whereas in Cuba, they were referred to as O luku mi.
Read more about the Yoruba here.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.