Ex-collection Belgian tribal art. Three human figures spring from a zoomorphic-looking base, a strange mythical, spherical animal, set on all fours, with vertical ears and a gaping, toothed mouth. The central figure has a sacrificial machete and a sword or scepter. This sculpted, honorary composition, named okega , symbolizes the status of the clan to which it belongs. Crusty grey patina. Andeblis near the Niger estuary, speaking a kwa language, the Igala formed a powerful kingdom until colonization that marked its decline by the ban on the holidays and the suicide of the king or ata . Human sacrifices once accompanied these ritual feasts, giving this people a reputation as headhunters. The Igalas have large helmet masks named during ceremonies honoring their king. Other types of helmet masks are released during the festivals of worship egu celerate the spirit of the dead and for the feasts of yam. Ref. : " The Tribal Art of Black Africa Ed. Assouline and Nigerian Arts Ed. Barbier-Mueller Museum.
This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity
You could also be interested by these items
If your offer is accepted, the item will be ordered on your behalf automaticaly. By making offer, you accept the selling conditions.
You must login to make an offer Log in