Ritual Mask, Ejagham, Nigeria / Cameroon, Cross River, Early–Mid 20th Century

Carved wooden mask with polychrome decoration, copper or brass sheet appliqués around the eyes, cowrie shell ornaments and original fiber elements. The face is covered with geometric triangular patterns and pigment decoration, while the upper section is wrapped in leather and adorned with numerous cowrie shells and two curved horn-like projections. Additional bead necklaces and raffia beard elements are attached to the lower part, suggesting its use as part of a larger masquerade costume. The reverse shows the typical hollowed interior with leather-covered head section characteristic of Ekoi/Ejagham masks from the Cross River region of Nigeria and Cameroon.

Overall good with age-related wear, abrasions to pigments, minor losses to fiber elements and shell attachments.

Height approx. 35 cm including fiber elements.

Material: Wood, copper/brass sheet, cowrie shell, fiber, leather, pigments, beads.

From an old Austrian private collection of African art, assembled in the second half of the 20th century.