Ewe Mask
Togo
A mask constructed along a vertical axis, the form contained within a continuous oval facial volume and extended through an integrated carved chain descending from the chin.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, the face is composed as a continuous oval plane. The eyes are narrow and closed beneath heavy lids; the nose is broad, with flared nostrils; the full lips are closed and left smooth, set apart from the surrounding surface. Small ears are carved at either side. The forehead, cheeks, nose and chin are covered in dense incised arcs, set in overlapping rows across the whole face. Above, the coiffure rises in a full rounded volume, swept back at the sides and worked with short gouged strokes. From the chin, a carved chain descends in linked loops, each element released from the same block and maintaining continuity with the mask. The chain terminates in a carved bird head at the lower end.
Surface is compact and stable. Fine incision is retained across the facial plane and coiffure. Exposure at raised elements.
Context
Among the Ewe, masks of this type are used within performance and ceremonial structures.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Togo, 1983.
Details
- Title
- Ewe Mask
- Culture
- Ewe
- Origin
- Togo
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- Mask H 49 cm (19.3 in) · W 33.5 cm (13.2 in); Chain L 75 cm (29.5 in)
- Medium
- Wood
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Togo, 1983.
- Condition
- Surface stable; exposure at raised elements.
