GREAT! EKITI gourd mask, Yoruba, Nigeria, mid 20th century

This rare calabash MASK, worn in the Ekiti region of the eastern Yoruba country, is one of the finest known in this style. Made from a calabash on which the facial features are exaggeratedly modeled. The whole is covered with a traditional loincloth fabric. The crest is embellished with knots of fabric containing magical substances. Red patina. This mask was used during the Egungun masquerade. The mask is mounted on a custom-made metal stand.

Length of the mask: approx. 30 cm in a straight line.

Length including stand: approx. 48 cm
Weight including stand: 1560 grams
Provenance: From a private Belgian collection. Name will be passed on to the buyer.

The last photo shows the Drouot auction of an Ekiti. € 1397.00 + 30% auction costs). So my Ekiti is 1/3 of that price.