Yoruba articulated mask - Nigeria - ca 1970

Original Yoruba Mask from West Africa

This original Yoruba mask from West Africa is a special work of art with rich cultural and spiritual significance. Yoruba masks have played a central role for centuries during rituals, ceremonies, and festivals. They are used in ancestor veneration, spiritual transition rituals, and important life moments such as births, marriages, and burials. The mask acts as a channel between humans and ancestral spirits, embodying the community's strength.

This articulated mask is hand-carved from wood and features natural pigments. Distinct striped patterns are visible on the horns. These ritual stripes symbolize strength, fertility, and spiritual protection. They refer to the balance between light and dark, the visible and invisible worlds, and enhance the mask's role during dance and music. In the glow of fire or moonlight, the patterns come alive and magnify the spiritual presence. It is a mask made within the tribe by a Yoruba carver but has not been used tribally, which is why it is listed under the trade art category.

In addition to its significance in Yoruba culture, this mask is a unique African art object that adds character and authenticity to any interior. For collectors of African art or enthusiasts of African rituals, this is a valuable and timeless piece that makes the deep symbolism of the Yoruba tradition tangible.

Specifications:

• Height: 37.5 cm

• Circumference at the bottom: approx. 68 cm

• Weight: 1099 grams

• Origin: Nigeria

• Dating: approx. 1970

• Provenance: Acquired in situ by Peter Beaujean