Idoma, Nigeria: A mask with a ‘smiling face’.
The Idoma live in southeastern Nigeria, on the left bank of the Benue River. Their neighbours are the Igala, Tiv and Ibo tribes in the south, all of which influenced the art of the Idoma. The present very beautiful, old and typical Idoma mask is made of wood and dyed black. The small, concave face displays visible remains of white coating due to kaolin. The prominent ears show traces of reddish colouring and are pierced inwards. The nose has conspicuously naturalistic features (typical of the Idoma!). The mouth displays a lower row of teeth with inserted wooden teeth and the mouth corners are noticeably turned upwards: This Idoma mask ‘laughs’! An original piece with very good, shiny age patina, and in excellent condition. First half of the 20th century; H: 24.5 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Lit.: ‘Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika’ by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, ill. 114.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 5,000.- to EUR 6,000.-
Idoma, Nigeria: A mask with a ‘smiling face’.
The Idoma live in southeastern Nigeria, on the left bank of the Benue River. Their neighbours are the Igala, Tiv and Ibo tribes in the south, all of which influenced the art of the Idoma. The present very beautiful, old and typical Idoma mask is made of wood and dyed black. The small, concave face displays visible remains of white coating due to kaolin. The prominent ears show traces of reddish colouring and are pierced inwards. The nose has conspicuously naturalistic features (typical of the Idoma!). The mouth displays a lower row of teeth with inserted wooden teeth and the mouth corners are noticeably turned upwards: This Idoma mask ‘laughs’! An original piece with very good, shiny age patina, and in excellent condition. First half of the 20th century; H: 24.5 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Austrian private collection.
Lit.: ‘Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika’ by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, ill. 114.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |