Ibibio-Eket mask (Nigeria) - Lot 121

Ibibio-Eket mask (Nigeria) Wood. H. 23.5 cm Beautiful, finely sculpted circular mask with a slightly forehead featuring the vertical markings characteristic of the style, subtly echoing the arches indicating the eyebrows which overhanging the semi-circular eyes. Beyond the apparently minimalist treatment, we note the subtle interplay of curves that give that give the face its distinctive expression. Patina of use, fine internal carving, perforations used to attach the mask mask and ornaments. Provenance : - Former Roger Azar collection (Paris) - Sale Maîtres Lombrail et Teucquam Paris Hôtel Drouot, September 30 September 2002 n° 91 - Reproduced in François Neyt's "L'Art Eket" Paris 1979 color plate no. 21, descriptive text and stylistic analysis on page 132. - Featured in the "Nixeria" exhibition Auditorio de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela March 4 - May 28, 1995, under no. 85. - Reproduced in the exhibition catalog by François Neyt and Ramon Sarro, page 135. - Private collection.