This head-crest was carved in the style of the Ijo people of Nigeria and features a beautifully carved fish on top. It comes with a custom stand for easy display and would make a wonderful addition to any home or collection. The piece measures 9 inches tall, 17 inches on custom stand, and is 23.5 inches long. There is some cracking, scuffing and general wear and tear throughout. Please inspect photos carefully.
Ijo Head-Crest with Fish on Top 23.5″ Long – Nigeria – African Art
$112.50
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Type of Object | Headcrest Mask |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Nigeria |
Ethnicity | Ijo |
Material | Wood, Pigment |
Approximate Age | Unknown |
Height (Inches) | 9" headcrest, 17" on stand |
Width (Inches) | 11" |
Depth (Inches) | 23.5" |
Weight (Pounds) | 5.5 lbs headcrest, 10.5 lbs including stand |
Overall Condition | Some cracking, scuffing and general wear and tear throughout. |
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.