An Ogoni Karikpo Mask
OGONI PEOPLE, NIGERIA, 20TH CENTURY "Karikpo" are specifically antelope face masks which appear in ceremonies at the start of the farming season which honor the local founding ancestor. The mask is worn by a dancer who incorporates racing and graceful acrobatics into his performance and is accompanied by a dancer wearing an "ugly" mask who behaves in a wild and erratic fashion. The mask has elegantly carved spiral horns and narrow pierced eyes, painted red and white. Wood, pigment 27 x 5 in. (68.58 x 12.7 cm.) $800
