Anthropomorphic face mask "okua" - Nigeria, Idoma

wood, pigment remains, metal, rest.
This type of mask is used amongst the southern Idoma. It comes from the Ikom region. There it is used by the "Osokom" clan of the Boki.
The "okua" masks who often dance in pairs, can be seen during funeral ceremonies. Characteristic are the raised temple scarifications, which often can be found on the forehead and chin as well.
H: 21 cm, H: 8,3 inch
Provenance:
Bernd Muhlack, Kiel, Germany (received the mask as a present in Foumban, Cameroon, February 1976)
Moctar Touré, Conakry, Guinea (2009)
Peter Willborg, Stockholm, Sweden
Lit.: Neyt, Francois, The Arts of the Benue, Michigan 1985, p. 134 ff.
Condition Report: See description