OGONI ARTICULATED MASK, NIGERIA Carved wood mask featuring an avian beak surmounted by a real hornbill beak to mimic the hornbill with double beak( buceros bicornis), its lower jaw is attached with wrapped rattan . The face is painted in black and red with yellow spots on the jaw. Raised scarifications near the ears and stylized coiffure. Overall good condition with signs of use. 2nd part of 20 th century(This piece is about sixty years old)

Ogoni masks can have several  functions ,  from pure entertainment to participation in funeral services or harvest festivals.

This mask is used in dances celebrating the harvest of yams. The lower jaw gives  happy clacks when the dancer jumps.

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