The Ogoni, who live east of the Niger Delta, use numerous types of masks for entertainment or on ceremonious occasions. Some of these originate from their own carving traditions, others from neighboring peoples such as the Ijo or Ibibio. The repertoire includes anthropomorphic face masks with movable lower jaw. Masks of the Ogoni people are generally smaller than those of the Ibibio, but share with them similar features such as hinged jaws. The masks wre danced by young men, dressed in costumes of fresh leaves and various types of mask, including the classical one with movable jaw and zoomorphic masks. Delicate coiffures usually signify femininity; horns, masculine power.

Provenance: Raskin Private Collection

In our Museum since 1998

Individually made gallery quality stand is available $120 shipping