MASQUE, IGBO, NIGERIA |

Collection Marceau Rivière, Paris, acquis ca. 2000

Québec, Musée de la civilisation, Arts du Nigeria dans les collections privées françaises, 23 octobre 2012 - 21 avril 2013

Lebas, Arts du Nigeria dans les collections privées françaises, 2012, p. 177, n° 110

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. A stabilized crack to the proper left cheek and some abrasions to the wood in places – two bigger ones with lack of material to the top and up of the forehead. Beautiful remain of the carving patterns throughout. Contrast to the patina with dry aspect in the hollow and glossy darker tones to the edges.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ce masque ancien, d’une très grande rareté, témoigne superbement de la confluence des styles et des relations historiques et culturelles qui se sont développées entre les groupes culturels du nord de la région de la Cross River. Le visage idéalisé, aux traits aiguisés, est dominé par un nez fin, busqué, encadré par les yeux rapprochés sculptés dans des orbites profondes et surmontant la bouche ouverte sur des petites dents. La finesse des traits est accentuée par l'étroitesse de la face, prolongée par des côtés profonds, les oreilles placées très en arrière. Le front bombé est surmonté d'une haute coiffe ornée d’une crête sagittale, les cheveux dessinant des motifs géométriques réguliers, profondément gravés et mis en valeurs par l’intense patine sombre. S’ajoute enfin le rarissime réseau de scarifications – notamment concentriques sur chaque hémiface - que l’on retrouve sur des masques publiés dès 1978 par Wittmer et Arnett dans Three Rivers of Nigeria. Art of the Lower Niger, Cross and Benue from the Collection of William and Robert Arnett (p. 21 et 29).

This ancient mask, of great rarity, is a superb example of the confluence of  formal styles and historical and cultural relations that have developed between cultural groups in the north of the Cross River region of Nigeria. The idealized face, with its sharp features, is dominated by a slender, hooked nose, framed by close-set eyes sculpted into deep orbits and set above the open mouth revealing small teeth. The delicate features are set off by the narrow face, extended through deep sides, with ears placed far back. The domed forehead is set beneath a high coiffure adorned with a sagittal crest, with the hair delineating regular geometric patterns, deeply engraved and emphasized by the intense dark patina.

The incredibly rare scarification decoration is a concentric appearance on either side of the face - can be seen on masks published in 1978 by Wittmer and Arnett in Three Rivers of Nigeria. Art of the Lower Niger, Cross and Benue from the Collection of William and Robert Arnett (p. 21 and 29), attesting to the time period when related masks were used.