Superb Ibibio/Eket Mask, Nigeria

Superb Ibibio/Eket Mask, Nigeria
Wood, encrustations, pigment
Height 9 1/2in (24cm)

Provenance
Tristan Tzara Collection, Paris (Collection label on inside)
Morton Dimondstein, Los Angeles
John Rich Collection, Beverly Hills
Joshua Dimondstein, Dimondstein Tribal Art, Los Angeles
Jeffrey Clinton Collection, Carmel, California
Private Collection

Masterfully carved with a finely sculpted, rounded forehead and cheekbones framing the eyes, pierced through with heavy eyelids; three projections on each temple frame the mask at the sides; a naturalistic nose above a narrow jaw with open mouth revealing teeth; all below a large crown with raised zigzag pattern on the front; fine black patina with encrustations.