WOOD, WHITE PIGMENT, 36CM
MAMBILA, CAMEROON, NIGERIA

At dance ceremonies the Mambila used to wear animal inspired headmasks, in this case crocodiles which were quite numerous in their region. The masks were paraded at annual tribal dances to commemorate the planting season. A very old and powerful mask, the wood is softened by age, but this only gives it a stronger appeal. It is quite unusual to find Janus type masks like this one with the front and back representing open jaws.