11. Egungun mask with crest. Yoruba.
This unique old Egungun mask was most likely used in the context of social criticism plays.
12. Mask with pronounced forehead and nose.
This rare and important Bini mask was used in the Ekpo festival propitiating gods in search of good fortune for the community.
13. Mask, Igalla.
This large zoomorphic mask is very old and well-used. It was worn to aid hunters in their pursuits.
14. Rare Ijo or Ijaw mask with superstructure wood, bluish pigments, and feather inserts.
Ijo headdresses and masks are some of the rarest in the whole of Africa. They are used as water spirit masks, prior to the rainy season. The geometry of these masks influenced Western cubism.
15. Standing female figure with European influence. Yoruba.
This distinctly carved figure depicts breasts as part of the shoulder volume. The organic nature of the work has traditional importance. The figure is an excellent example of the western influence on traditional African interpretation.
16. Stool. Bida, Nigeria.
Geometric design with cross-hatched decorative supports.
17. Ikenga, wood with multi-colored pigments. Ibo.
Personal shrine depicting seated man with ceremonial staffs in both hands. Large curved horns serve as a superstructure.
18, 19. Ikenga, geometric base with two horns. Ibo.
Wood with traces of white pigment. This is the basic ikenga used on a personal altar for encouraging the future growth of an individual.
20. Mask, wood, dark ritual incrustation, leather fibers.
A large mask of Ibibio with movable jaw and rounded ears, used within the Ekpo society rituals. This museum quality piece has very strong features which combine abstraction and realism.
