Pair of Mumuye masks (Nigeria) - Lot 125

Pair of Mumuye masks (Nigeria) Wooden. H. 87 and 88 cm Rare and important pair of so-called shoulder masks the traditional pattern of an "arched" base, the front of which has been to allow vision, surmounted by a neck supporting a head a neck supporting a stylized head. The open sides to make room for the dancers' shoulders are perforated to allow the attachment of fiber costumes. The female mask can be identified by its pierced ears, and the male by his Adam's apple and full ears. The heavily scarified faces are surmounted by central crests decorated with aluminum applications. Beautiful old patina. Provenance : - Galerie 62 (Paris) - Former Roger Azar collection (Paris) - Sale Maître Loudmer Paris Hôtel Drouot June 30, 1988, lot no. 170 - Sale Maîtres Lombrail et Teucquam Paris Hôtel Drouot of September 30, 2002, lot no. 65 - Reproduced in Arts d'Afrique No. 47 (Autumn 1983) page 28. - Featured in the "Nixeria" exhibition Auditorio de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela March 4 - May 28, 1995, under no. 17. - Reproduced in the exhibition catalog by François Neyt and Ramon Sarro, page 61.