An ancient zoomorphic Ogbodo Enyi mask with a highly expressive mask carved in relief on the back. The Ogbodo Enyi mask, literally "elephant spirit", not only represents an elephant for its strength and endurance, but is also intimately associated with the spirit of a bird and that of a feline, and the masquerade in which it takes part is called Oke Ugu (the strong male lion) and concerns the strength of fighters inflicting defeat on enemies. It's worth noting that this ancient mask was part of the landmark 1980 exhibition at Galerie Hélène Kamer: Masques "Eléphant "Igbo. Izzi-Igbo, Nigeria Wood, pigments, old wear and cracks, beautiful patina. L. 41cm Provenance: Hélène Kamer (Leloup), Paris Stéphane Kurc Collection, Paris Publication: Kamer, Igbo "Elephant" Masks. Nigeria, Galerie Hélène Kamer, Paris, June 18 - July 5 1980, no. 2