from the Itsekiri chiefdom.

16th-18th century, Warri region, Niger Delta, Nigeria, 10 cm .
The transmission of courtly culture flowed in both directions from the Owo and Ijebu kingdoms, all the way to Benin. These Royal pendants and masks, like the fine openwork bracelets, and altar sculpture are found throughout these regions. Chiefs in these kingdoms used a variety of brass and ivory ornaments as part of elaborate costumes for palace ceremonies. Worn on the hip or chest, these pendant sculptures indicated the wearer’s rank an loyalty to the Oba (king). Horst Brozler was the Director of CCC Coutinho Caro in Lagos, Nigeria in the early 1960s. As such he was involved in internationally funded construction and building projects in Nigeria and worked with many Nigerian ministers and dignitaries. Brozler also did a lot of charitable work in cooperation with the Minister of Finance Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh called ‘Omimi’ (1919-Jan 1966), and as a sign of his gratitude, Chief Festus gave him this Owo mask from his private collection. Okotieh-Eboh was born to an Itsekiri Chief in the Warri Division, Niger Delta.

Provenance:
Collection Chief Festus Okotieh-Eboh
called ‘Omimi’ (1919-Jan 1966);
Private Collection Horst Brozler, Vienna (From the descendants),
With certificate from Lance Entwistle 2016, London.