Masque facial anthropomorphe
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Lot: 60
98e vente aux enchèresMasque facial anthropomorphe
Nigéria, Urhobo
| Provenance | Taille | Prix d’appel / Prix d'Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Wolfgang Klein, Vienna, Austria Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 9 March 2013, Lot 359 Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany |
H: 60 cm |
1500 EUR
Frais supplémentaires : 23% de commission, TVA, expédition et assurance transport |
wood, polychrome paint, remains of fabric, mirror glass, metal,
Urhobo masks are associated with water and earth spirits who are responsible for the well-being of the community. Large mask festivals are held in their honour at intervals of several years.
This mask is associated with "ohworhu", a powerful water spirit ("edjorame"). There are different interpretations of its meaning:
The mask is referred to as one of the "children of the spirit" - "emedjo", who appear at times of the highest water level of the Niger to bring the "blessing of deep water" to the villages.
She is also supposed to represent a young girl of marriageable age, a bride "opha" who is under the special protection of "ohworhu". The hairstyle with horn-like extensions is meant to reflect the elaborate hairstyle that brides wear when they are presented to the village community.
