Origin: Nigeria, Yoruba ethnic group

Dating: 2nd half of the 20^th  century

Signature: MŻo / A / 3572

Description:

Mask of the Yoruba people, from the Epa society. This association honours gods and heroes of culture at masked festivals. A distinctive feature of these masks are the large heads of deceased ancestors. They are treated by manufacturers with less naturalism than the superstructure that in imposing sculptural form depicts and honours mothers with children, warriors / hunters, animals and rulers with their entourage.

The purchase of the masks collection was subsidized by the National Institute for Museums and Public Collections.

Literature:

Bacquart Jean-Baptiste, 2010, The Tribal Arts of Africa, London: Thames&Hudson.