The Widekum live in the border region of Cameroon and Nigeria (in the western grasslands, at the headwaters of the Cross river). Their neighbouring tribes, the Anyang and the Ekoi, are famous for their dance crests covered with leather. This is also the only type of mask the Widekum know, entirely covered on the exterior with leather. The mask is called ‘Agwe’ and represents a so-called trickster spirit, who can cause good as well as evil. The expressive, large piece is carved out of hard wood and covered on its front side with dark-brown dyed antelope leather. This ‘Agwe’ mask displays the typical forms: a helmet-like hairstyle (or cap) with central crest, rectangular, outlined eyes, a small, wide nose and a large, rectangular, open mouth with a lower row of teeth of inserted wooden pegs. With 7 dot-shaped scarification marks on the forehead and both cheeks. A rare, old piece with partially shiny usage patina on front and back (inside). Only minimal, age-related damage: an original repair at the bridge of the nose (glued), small tears in the leather. H: 40 cm; W: c. 20 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian Private Collection.

Lit.: 'Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture' by K.-F. Schädler, fig. p. 610; 'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, fig. 743.