Benin Mask II
Nigeria
A carved wooden mask structured along a frontal vertical axis, the form contained within a continuous facial plane and expanded through a domed coiffure and collar system.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, the face is elongated and symmetrical, with rounded eyes set beneath defined lids, a straight nasal ridge, and a small, closed mouth. Three vertical scarification marks are incised at the forehead. The coiffure rises in a domed form, articulated through a crosshatched grid of incision and encircled at the upper edge by a register of carved heads in relief. Below, a broad collar frames the lower face, constructed through interlaced bands. Lateral elements at the ears are worked in spiral relief.
Surface is compact and stable, with pigment retained across recessed carving and exposure at raised planes.
Context
Within the Benin Kingdom, works of this type were produced within court-controlled guild systems, following a fixed visual structure associated with rank and court protocol.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Nigeria, 1984.
Details
- Title
- Benin Mask II
- Culture
- Benin
- Origin
- Nigeria
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 31 cm (12.2 in) · W 23 cm (9.1 in) · D 7 cm (2.8 in)
- Medium
- Wood
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Nigeria, 1984.
- Condition
- Stable patina; pigment retained in recessed carving, with exposure at raised areas.
