Ogoni Elu mask
Known in African art from Nigeria, the Ogoni of the Cross River region perform elegant small tribal masks with elaborate headdresses called Elu.
Their particularity consists of a movable jaw lined with aga teeth carved into the midrib of palm leaves.
These African masks participate in various ceremonies, some of which bring together many Nualu mask wearers.
The main festivity annually celebrates the yam harvest.
It can last several weeks and is intended to ensure the fertility of the land.
All the families of the community are represented there by a mask wearer who chases away evil spirits and brings the blessing of the ancestors.
Elu masks find their origins in distant traditions that link them to the afterlife.
This rare mask with a thick and crusty patina comes from the very important collection of Belgian artist Claude Renard.
His wife paid homage to the man and the artist through a work: Forms of Africa - Visions of Claude Renard, prefaced by the journalist Yves Vasseur.
02340
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- 2nd half XXth
- Size
- 33 cm (46 cm with support)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Claude Renard collection, BE
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Known in African art from Nigeria, the Ogoni of the Cross River region perform elegant small tribal masks with elaborate headdresses called Elu.
Their particularity consists of a movable jaw lined with aga teeth carved into the midrib of palm leaves.
These African masks participate in various ceremonies, some of which bring together many Nualu mask wearers.
The main festivity annually celebrates the yam harvest.
It can last several weeks and is intended to ensure the fertility of the land.
All the families of the community are represented there by a mask wearer who chases away evil spirits and brings the blessing of the ancestors.
Elu masks find their origins in distant traditions that link them to the afterlife.
This rare mask with a thick and crusty patina comes from the very important collection of Belgian artist Claude Renard.
His wife paid homage to the man and the artist through a work: Forms of Africa - Visions of Claude Renard, prefaced by the journalist Yves Vasseur.