Owo Yoruba
Pendant Mask bronze
Nigeria
6 ½ in.
Bronze

"This is a mask almost certainly made for the Obgo Society (during the 19th century, or earlier, by one of the best of the Ijebu bronze casters of the Idomowo quarter. It is external, unusual in my experience...it is thinly cast bolt in the front and the rear surfaces, the considerable weight being attributable to the fireclay core which is visible through the two lozenge shaped apertures at the back. The style conforms to that of the finest Ijebu work. The patina appears excellent it would probably never have been buried, but instead kept in the "ile awo" or inner sanctum of the Ogbo house." (Fagg letter) This mask is from the Lower Niger River area, Owo is a city located 70 miles north of Benin. "The artistic style of the Owo people relies on three distinct characteristics: the lips are carved in parallel lines, semi-closed eye with inlaid pupils, and a flattened T-shaped nose, typical globular eyes and body scarifications. They may date back to the 16th century." (85, Bacquart)

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