Lot 495

Igbo Wood Mask, Quadripartite Headdress, Nigeria

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Igbo Wood Mask, Quadripartite Headdress, Nigeria

Estimate: $500 - $800

Starting Bid: $200

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Nigeria, early 20th century. Carved wood mask from the south-east region of Nigeria, of a male with large ovate eyes, open circular pupils, short beard framing face, and an openwork quadripartite headdress rises above. Red and black organic pigment. Custom wall mount. See similar mask with similar headdress. Quai Branly Museum, inv. no. 73.1996.1.82 According to Keith Nicklin, this mask carries a headdress that could be a Hausa mallam. It is possible that the artist of this mask was influenced by a network of artists in the region, including the famous sculptor Gabriel Nwokafor Obianyo of Uke (died 1982). 13" H (33.02 cm H).

Provenance: Tom Slater Collection, TX., ex. estate of Jack Faxon, Birmingham, MI. & NYC. Michigan State Senator, 1971-1985. Creator of the Michigan Council for the Arts.

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Item # 72256

  • Condition: There are repaired areas and some age cracks.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000