Igala Helmet Mask, Ibaji Clan, Nigeriaagba height 12 1/4in (31.1cm)ProvenancePhilippe Guimiot, BrusselsAmerican Private Collection, acquired from the above in 1997Cf. Berns, Marla C., Richard Fardon and Sidney Littlefield Kasfir (Ed.), Central Nigeria Unmasked - Arts of the Benue River Valley, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Los Angeles, 2011, figs. 5.15-17.John Boston (Ibid, p. 177) notes, "The most striking feature of the Agba dress is the black helmet encasing the head of the dancer. On these helmets hairstyles are represented by rows of chevrons or of oblique lines with a central ridge indicating a sagittal crest in some cases. The visages give prominence to heavy drooping eyes and to elaborate facial scarification covering the forehead in some instances. Igala scarification marks extend from the corners of the mouth to the base of the ears are also invariably accentuated."Finely carved in deeply hollowed form, this superb example is decorated throughout with an interplay of curved and linear striations juxtaposed throughout the surface; fine black glossy patina with remnants of indigo blue pigment.