Mask (1) - Wood - Nigeria - Late 19th century

MAMBILA Mask When a traditional chief dies, the whole chiefdom is likely to suffer from evils and disasters. . . So, for this occasion, there are special rituals, led by the great diviner, to protect the villagers and spare them from any misfortune. At the same time, the spirits must be well disposed so that they welcome the deceased with favor. Animal sacrifices are performed and all villagers mark themselves with sacrificial blood for protection. The diviner can take small shavings from the mask to make remedies. The present mask is used during these essential rituals. So a mask that is very powerful and expressive, in its role of messenger from the beyond, with its erect ears, its exorbitant eyes and its gaping mouth. Used by several generations of soothsayers. Provenance : Private Belgian collection Certification on request Shipping : Insured, tracked and traced Pick up possible at our gallery in Brussels (Sablon)