Benin Mask III
Nigeria
A mask constructed along a frontal vertical axis, the form contained within a continuous facial plane and expanded through a crosshatched coiffure terminating in a projecting crown register and a collar system.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, the face is organised symmetrically, with elongated eyes set beneath defined lids, a straight nasal ridge, and a closed mouth. The coiffure rises to a crown of projecting tubular elements, while a collar constructed through interlaced bands frames the lower edge.
Surface is compact and stable, with the dark finish retained throughout the carved structure and exposure confined to projecting elements and 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 III
- Culture
- Benin
- Origin
- Nigeria
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 35 cm (13.8 in) · W 20 cm (7.9 in) · D 9 cm (3.5 in)
- Medium
- Wood
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Nigeria, 1984.
- Condition
- Stable patina; exposure at projecting elements.
