Mambila Suaga headdress, Nigeria or Cameroon

Private Collection, New York, acquired before 1971

Good condition for an object of this great age and type. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, and small chips throughout consistent with age and use. Surface weathered, with erosion and losses from insect damage throughout, especially inside mouth, to tip and proper right side of snout, top of head between horns, tips of horns, and rim of underside. Small crack extending from proper right corner of mouth. Opening of about 1 - 1 1/2 inches below and to the right of mouth. Fine aged surface with black, red, and white pigment and areas of encrustation.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In her discussion of a closely related Mambila suaga mask, of younger age, in the Musée Barbier-Mueller in Geneva, Hahner-Herzog (1997: pl. 60) notes: "[The Barbier-Mueller] suaga mask has zoomorphic features which are difficult to associate with any one specific animal.  While the gaping mouth lined with sharp teeth calls a dog to mind, the head displays two long, curving horns.  Viewed in profile, it shows a sweeping convex curve extending from the forehead to the tip of the snout.  A sparing application of white paint emphasizes the pointed ears with triangular ridges, the outer ring of the cylindrical eyes [and] the rows of teeth [...].  The holes on the sides of the headpiece were used to attach a voluminous woven costume that concealed the masker's body."