Older head mask of the MAMA, Nigeria, ca 1960

Attractive and characterful object, the older head mask of the MAMA from Nigeria. This mask was worn on the head, often attached to a fringe of fabric. It has a beautiful somewhat mysterious face and two horns that symbolize the power of the mask. The patina is here and there a bit crusty, flaky and has a nuance in a soft red-brown shade, partly due to the fact that the mask was once initiated with tikula powder. Remnants of chicken feathers are still visible on the head on the inside of the horns. The mask has two shrinkage cracks on the back. There is also a cavity at the back where power material could be put. Look closely at the photos.

Length: 35 cm
Weight: 1325 grams
Origin: Nigeria
Date: ca 1960
Provenance: ex Peter Beaujean, ex gallery Tounkara in Rotterdam