Benin Mask
Museum-grade artifact
20th century
Nigeria
Certificate of Authenticity
Benin Mask
Nigeria
A compact Edo mask of contained frontal presence, defined by a polished facial plane set within a densely articulated surround.
Description
A mask of compact, frontal form, attributed to the Edo.
The face is contained within a structured surround: a crosshatched coiffure rises to a crown of small projecting elements, while a braided collar frames the lower edge. The ears project laterally, set beneath horizontal band elements.
The facial features are composed and direct — almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, and a closed mouth — held within a smooth, continuous surface that contrasts with the worked textures of the surrounding elements.
Patina is deep and even across the face, with slight softening at raised planes consistent with handling.
Context
Within the Benin Kingdom, artistic production was embedded within the royal court and governed by established guild systems under the Oba. Masks functioned within ceremonial frameworks rather than as independent works.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection
Acquired in Nigeria, 1984
Available on private enquiry.
Choose options
Interested or have questions about this piece? contact us
We are happy to walk you through the details, you can ask any question about provenance, context and authenticity.
We will get back to you in less than a day.
Protected Purchase