Mask (1) - Wood - Yoruba - Nigeria

YORUBA soothsayer's mask In each Yoruba kingdom, there is an association of seven great notables, heirs of founders and endowed with diviners' powers. This mask is used by them alone (. . . hence the 7 scarifications on temples) , to fight evil spirits that disturb some villagers. It carries 3 scarification marks on cheeks (white, yellow and blue) to determine the perverse spirit's origin. The red colour of face is composed of a particular wood pulp with medicinal properties. By sampling, they make a decoction to be drunk by the patient. Powerful, majestic and secret mask; beautiful vertical hairstyle, symbol of its connection with afterlife's forces. Helmet mask, made of heavy and dense wood, with eyes open to invisible. Rare. Provenance : Private Belgian collection Certification on request Shipping : Insured, tracked and traced Pick up possible at our gallery in Brussels (Sablon)