A very ancient mask of a rare typology, with temples and face marked by scarifications, keloids in relief but also engraved. Its deeply sculpted skull-like orbital cavities and large, pointed teeth set in its mouth give it a ferocious, terrifying presence. Traditional life in Igbo country is punctuated by important masquerades, particularly during the dry season, featuring such a multitude of different masks that it's impossible to draw up a precise inventory. They were (and still are) created and animated by secret societies, essentially male, concerned with the initiation of young people, but also playing an important role as social regulators. Igbo, Nigeria Wood, embedded teeth, visible cracks and heavy erosion (woodborers) on the reverse and on one side of the mask, very fine old oxidation, and very fine patina from use. H.28cm Provenance: Robert Saintgery Collection, Paris Robert Saintgery Collection, Paris Passed on by descent