Vintage Yoruba Egungun Helmet Mask Carved Wood Polychrome Nigeria African 14.5"

Description

View Vintage Yoruba Egungun Helmet Mask Carved Wood Polychrome Nigeria African 14.5" with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. Its dramatic form and clear history make it a highly sought-after collector's piece. This compelling carved object is firmly attributed to theYoruba people ofNigeria/Benin (West Africa). This piece is a significant ethnographic find, embodying the intense visual and spiritual culture of the YorubaEgungun ancestral tradition. Authentic Wooden Ritual Sculpture Honoring Male Ancestors (Nigeria/Benin) This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an expressive and powerful piece of  Yoruba Egungun ritual art . This striking, polychrome-painted  helmet mask  is dedicated to honoring the spirits of male ancestors ( Egun ). Its dramatic form and clear history make it a highly sought-after collector's piece. ITEM: VINTAGE Yoruba  Egungun Helmet Mask This compelling carved object is firmly attributed to the  Yoruba people  of  Nigeria/Benin  (West Africa). The mask measures approximately  14.5 inches tall ,  10 inches wide , and  10 inches deep . It is carved from dense wood and finished with a multi-layered polychrome paint scheme. The mask displays a highly stylized and intense aesthetic, characteristic of figures associated with the powerful  Egungun society : Expressive Face:  The face is painted a  bold red  (cinnabar or earth pigment), with horizontal scarification lines and exaggerated features. The eyes are deeply carved and highlighted, giving the mask an  intense, powerful gaze suitable for channeling ancestral power. Carved Beard/Ruff:  The lower face features a prominent,  fan-shaped, carved beard or neck ruff  with incised vertical lines. This element often signifies the male status and authority of the  Egun  (ancestor) being represented. Helmet Construction:  The entire headpiece is carved as a  helmet mask , designed to fit over the dancer's head and rest on the shoulders. The  domed cap  is adorned with a row of large,  globular projections  across the brow, further emphasizing the mask's importance and power. Ritual Use and Patina:  This object was actively used as a  headdress  for a performer in the communal  Egungun masquerade dance . The chipping paint, worn wood, and dark patina are clear evidence of its  vintage age  and genuine history of being  danced  in ceremonial performances to bless and protect the community. Key Highlights This piece is a significant ethnographic find, embodying the intense visual and spiritual culture of the Yoruba  Egungun ancestral tradition. The dramatic  red and black polychrome , the powerful expression, and the undeniable evidence of  ritual patina  confirm its authenticity and its historical role in communal ceremonies. Condition: Used. Category: Collectibles › Cultures & Ethnicities › African › 1900-Now › Figures & Sculptures.

Culture

Yoruba

Handmade

Yes

Provenance

Ownership History Not Available

Country of Origin

Nigeria

Material

Wood

Type

Helmet Mask

Height

14.5 in