Okorossia Mask, Igbo (wood, pigment)

Face mask surmounted by a janus-faced sculpture on a column of four circular, double trapezoid forms, on a metal stand that runs through a hole below the chin of the lower face. Holes for raffia attachment are on either side of the lower face. The lower face, predominantly in white pigment, has a prognathic jaw and a mouth in a bowtie form, containing two rows of teeth. An arrow-shaped nose projects below a brow and hairline composed through two rows of half-heart forms, in black pigment. Slits for viewing are carved into raised, slightly drooping eyes. The upper, frontal face is ovoid in form, colored with white pigment, and is framed by a black coiffure and two red attenuated wings, with holes for further attachments. The face has a diamond-shaped mouth, a curved, projecting nose and coffee-bean style, nearly closed eyes in rounded depressions. The reverse face is treated similarly, but covered in black pigment. A conical form, carved separately, is attached below the chin of the upper front and back faces. Condition: good. Loss to right eyelid of lower face. Pigment fading/loss throughout.