A dance mask dedicated to Owu masquerade. The Ijaw live surrounded by water, mangroves and forest, and this mask is a good example of the creative and artistic genius of the Ijaw, who have created a pantheon of different zoomorphic masks fusing marine and terrestrial species (here a gazelle on the front and a bird on the back) to attract the protection of water spirits (bini oru or owu) as well as forest and mangrove spirits. Ijo (Ijaw), Nigeria Wood, wear, accidents and visible missing appendage, beautiful patina and old patina from use. Length: 53cm Provenance: Henri Kamer Henri Kamer Jef van der Straete, Lasne/Bruxelles Private collection, Belgium