Anthropozoomorphic mask "ogbodo enyi" of Igbo style - Lot 46

Anthropozoomorphic mask "ogbodo enyi" of Igbo style Nigeria Wood and pigments 52 x 22 cm Mask combining human features with the attributes of an elephant. The appendage projected in front of the nose represents the trunk, while the two lateral appendages represent tusks. Placed at the back, we find a human head sculpted in high relief, called ntekpe. This figurative element contrasts with the stylized treatment of the mask whose volumes are reinforced by the polychromy. Several interpretations would justify the presence of these heads in the corpus of these large masks worn by adults: figures of dignitaries or notables, or "children of the spirit". IGBO STYLE - ANTHROPOZOOMORPHIC MASK 52 CM