This mask was carved in the style of the Ijo (Ijaw) people of Nigeria. The mask features two horn like spikes coming from the top of the head. The mask measures 14.75 inches tall and weighs 2 pounds. There is damage to both sides of the mask along with some cracking, scuffing and general wear and tear throughout. Please inspect photos carefully. Stand not included.
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Distressed Ijo (Ijaw) Mask 14.75″ – Nigeria – African Art
$55.00
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| Type of Object | Face Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Ijo |
| Material | Wood, Pigment |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 14.75" |
| Width (Inches) | 6” |
| Depth (Inches) | 6" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 2 lbs |
| Overall Condition | Damage to both sides, cracking and wear and tear |
Tribe Information
About the Ijo People
“The 250,000 Ijo people settled in the Niger River Delta where fish are in abundance, providing them with their principal means of subsistence. Ijo carvers produced altar panels and horizontal headdresses, called Otojo, which represent water spirits. They believe that these spirits are like humans in terms of their strengths and weaknesses and that before their birth, human beings live among the Otojo. Once born, the Ijo maintain contact with them through prayers in order to gain their favours.”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.