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An Exquisite Idoma Okua Funeral Mask
Antique African Tribal Art - Cross River, Nigeria
Collected from the: Southern Idoma peoples of the Cross River region of Nigeria, West Africa. Also attributed to the Igbo Ibo peoples of the region.
Material: Hardwood, pigment, kaolin (white clay), oil
Period: Mid 20th century
Dimensions: 10.75" height, 7.25" width, 5" depth; weight is 1.05 pounds
Condition: Exceptional - no damage, hairline age cracks test stable, all nicks/scuffs present significant patination. Smooth, worn interior, burnished patina with skin oil residue along interior rim indicative of use - the serene expression evokes a riveting spiritual presence!
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Idoma Funeral Masks:
Besides the Okwute scepters of the dead chiefs, masking traditions represent the most sacred realities of the Idoma country. The Alekwu cult holds an essential central role in all Idoma traditions which have no Igala, Igbo or Ogoja origins. In the south-west, the Idoma have been in contact with the northern Igbo whose creative art exercised a considerable influence on the Idoma who borrowed the Igbo masks for their own use. In the south and south-west, styles were influenced by white painted masks while other works bear the mark of the Middle Cross River traditions. Of the four main stylistic trends, the first classification encompasses masks with morphological features borrowed from the Middle Cross River institutions with an anthropomorphous facial mask featuring almond-shaped eyes, a flat nose, a large to semi-open mouth. Protruding scarifications down the center of the forehead and at the temples, linked to the ears with two curved vertical lines. Known as an Okua, this type of mask comes from the Ikom region and is used by the southern Idoma, the Osokum clan of the Boki, and the Idoma-Iyala. The Okua masks often dance in pairs and can be seen at funeral ceremonies. See The Arts of the Benue for further details on the cultures of this region.
Idoma Tribal History
“Living at the confluence of the Benue and Niger Rivers, the 500,000 Idoma people are predominantly farmers and traders. The Idoma, Afo, Igala, Nupe, and Tiv people living along the banks of these rivers share many social and artistic traditions. They are thought to have common ancestors known as the Akpoko people. Traditionally, they principally make their money by acting as trade intermediaries between the inland people and the people who inhabit the Niger River Delta.” according to Bacquart.
Cat. # om29
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