A very old mask dedicated to the Okumpkpa masquerades of the Ada group and used in male initiation celebrations. In Igbo thought, this mask "embodies masculine strength and originality". Its design, with large slit eyes and two intersecting planes (axial and frontal) adorned with openwork geometric decorations, makes it one of the most fascinating masks in the arts of Nigeria and beyond. See for two other very fine comparable early examples: Arts du Nigéria dans les collections française, Lebas, 2012 n°91 and Igbo Arts Community and Cosmos, Cole & Aniakor, 1984, p.115 n°215. Igbo-Afikpo, Nigeria, late 19th - early 20th century Hardwood, wear and small chips (old breakage), very fine old oxidation, and very fine old patina. Height: 61cm Provenance: Jean-Pierre Laprugne, Paris Jean-Pierre Laprugne, Paris Enchères Rive Gauche, September 8, 2011, n°134 Stéphane Kurc Collection, Paris