Benin Mask
Museum-grade artifact
20th century
Nigeria
Certificate of Authenticity
Benin Mask
Nigeria
A vertically elongated Edo mask of controlled symmetry, defined by structured facial geometry and a tiered, architectonic coiffure.
Description
A carved wooden mask of the Edo, vertically elongated and frontal in orientation.
The face is structured and symmetrical, with almond-shaped eyes set beneath defined lids, a straight nasal ridge, and a small, closed mouth with parted lips. The ears project laterally.
The coiffure rises in a high, tiered crest composed of radiating ridged segments above a band of tightly ordered vertical incision. A broad collar frames the lower face, worked in dense linear patterning, bordered by a perforated edge.
The surface carries a red-toned patina, even across the face, with light variation at raised planes consistent with handling.
Context
Within the Benin Kingdom, carving was organised through court guilds under the authority of the Oba. Works of this type reflect a controlled visual language associated with status and representation.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection.
Acquired in Nigeria, 1984.
Available on private enquiry.
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