A superb Ijo Fish Headcrest, Nigeria

rising from a cylindrical base, the fish of long elegant slender form with open mouth and teeth made of inserted wood pegs, and with fins made of inserted wooden blades; fine aged partially encrusted patina.

Acquired by the present owner in Fumban, 1972

Munich, Villa Stuck, Gods - Spirits - Ancestors: African Sculpture from Private German Collections, October 28, 1992 - January 10, 1993
Vienna, Museum für Völkerkunde, Götter - Geister - Ahnen:
Afrikanische Skulpturen in deutschen Privatsammlungen im Museum für Völkerkunde Wien, March 23, 1994 - July 24, 1994

Karl-Ferdinand Schaedler, Gods - Spirits - Ancestors: African sculpture from private German collections, pp. 132-133, fig. 101
Christine Stelzig, Afrikanische Masken: Der Tanz der Tiere, Munich, Berlin, London, New York, 1997, p. 17
Peter Stepan, Spirits Speak: A Celebration of African Masks, Munich, Berlin, London, New York, 2005, pp. 88-89 and 168, pl. 57

excellent condition overall; minor nicks and chips, wear and tear from handling; fine aged partially encrusted patina with some chips to surface.
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 the present lot Hahner (in Stepan 2005: 168-169, text to pl. 57) notes: "The zoomorphic masks of the Ijo that embody water spirits (bou oru) include many types that depict water animals such as crabs, hippopotami, and crocodiles. The most common motif, however, is fish, especially fish of prey such as sharks, swordfish and hammerhead sharks. These are depicted with striking realism, often having a movable jaw and studded with sharp teeth (or nails). This is not surprising, seeing as the Ijo live by fishing in the Niger Delta and face the threat of these dangerous fish every day.

"[Fish masks such as the present lot] appear to have been originally developed by the Abua and later adopted by the neighbouring Ijo-Kalabari, Ijo-Okodoa and Ibo-Ekpeye. The works from these various regions are difficult to distinguish on a stylistic basis; yet seperately carved and attached fins, like those seen in the present piece, are considered a trait of Abua masks. In all of these groups in the eastern delta area, the masks are used in the context of the sekiapu cult [...], in which the water spirits are placated and implored to ensure the welfare of the community."