Vintage Yoruba Dance Crest Mask Element Carved Wood Nigeria African Tribal Art

Description

View Vintage Yoruba Dance Crest Mask Element Carved Wood Nigeria African Tribal Art with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. This visually stunning artwork is firmly attributed to the Yoruba people of Nigeria (West Africa). The Yoruba Dance Crest is defined by its powerful condition and cultural context Authentic Danced Ceremonial Sculpture from Nigeria (West Africa). Authentic Danced Ceremonial Sculpture from Nigeria (West Africa) This is a spectacular and rare opportunity to acquire an authentic Yoruba carved wooden dance crest or headdress from Nigeria. This compact, powerfully rendered head exhibits heavy layers of encrusted patina, evidence of significant ritual use, and traces of its original striking blue pigment on the coiffure. Its intense, expressive features make it a profound example of traditional Yoruba sculptural art. ITEM: VINTAGE Yoruba Wooden Dance Crest / Mask Element This visually stunning artwork is firmly attributed to the Yoruba people of Nigeria (West Africa). The crest is carved from a single piece of wood, designed to be worn atop the dancer's head or fixed to a larger ancestral staff or costume ensemble. Dimensions: Approximately 9.6 inches tall x 6 inches wide x 5.5 inches deep. The Yoruba Dance Crest is defined by its powerful condition and cultural context: Heavy Ritual Patina: The surface is extensively coated in a thick, multi-layered encrustation, combining white clay, pigments, and sacrificial materials. This is highly prized evidence of its history as a functional, actively used ritual object, a testament to its spiritual efficacy. Intense Expression: The face features an intense or aggressive expression, with deep-set eyes, heavily carved eyebrows, and pronounced lips. This expression, along with the deep scarification marks (vertical incisions) on the cheeks, often signifies a powerful or volatile spiritual entity, such as a warrior or a deity (like Shango or Eshu). Stylized Coiffure: The hair/headdress is carved in a stylized, compact bun or series of ridges, with noticeable surviving patches of vibrant blue pigment, a rare and appealing detail. Function and Context: This form is characteristic of crests used in Yoruba masquerades (Egungun or Epa/Elefon) or as the terminal figure on ritual staffs. The flat, broad base suggests it was attached to a costume or a stand, meant to be carried or danced. Condition Notes: The object’s powerful aesthetic is directly linked to its heavy patina and evidence of wear, including splits in the wood and areas where the pigment is completely worn away, confirming its age and traditional use. Key Highlights This piece is a significant ethnographic find due to its heavy, authentic ritual patina, the intense sculptural presence, and the rare surviving blue pigment. It is a powerful, historically profound, and visually compelling example of Nigerian sculptural art. Condition: Used. Category: Collectibles › Cultures & Ethnicities › African › 1900-Now › Figures & Sculptures.

Country of Origin

Nigeria

Provenance

Ownership History Not Available

Culture

Yoruba

Handmade

Yes