Igbo Ibo Ancestor Mask Antique African Masque Nigeria Sublime Expression, Extensive Age, Tribal Use, Superb ! Start Price USD 985.00 Current Price USD 985.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, May 11, 2008 End Time Sunday, May 18, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Igbo Ibo Ancestor Mask Antique African Masque Nigeria' Description   Igbo Ibo Ancestor Mask Antique African Masque Nigeria     An Exceptional Old Igbo Ibo Ancestor Mask Antique African Art - Tribal Sculpture - Niger River Delta Nigeria, West Africa Collected from the: Igbo Ibo peoples of the Niger River Delta region of Nigeria, West Africa Material: Hardwood, pigment, kaolin, skin oil Period: Very early 20th century Dimensions: 16.25" height, 10.5" width, 7" depth; weight is 2.65 pounds Condition: Excellent. Marvelous signs of age, wear and extensive tribal use, exposed wood presents significant patination, two age cracks test stable, minute remnants or the original kaolin embedded in the wood grain bring this old character to life. Six precisely placed incisions at each corner of the mouth indicate tribal affiliation. Interior retains residue of skin oil from authentic wear, gorgeous patination throughout the entire piece. Make special note of the surface condition, tool signatures, wear at holes and outer back rim, all indicative of an authentic early specimen. Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this important old masque! And be sure to see the incredible AFRICAN MASKS in our eBay store! Or explore our exquisite AFRICAN SCULPTURES! Click Images to Enlarge Igbo Ibo Mask Traditions: See Igbo Arts for a fascinating account of this form. Igbo Ibo Tribal History: The 8,000,000 Igbo people settled in an area of forests and swamps in the northern part of the Niger River Delta in southern Nigeria and live primarily from farming. Village councils composed of the eldest people from each family govern the tribe though their power is counter-balanced by secret societies. Igbo arts are notable for their quality, diversity and quantity, comprising a vast corpus of sophisticated figural sculptures and masks, implements, paintings, and architecture in terracotta, ivoire, iron, various fibers, unfired clay, bronze, brass and wood all created to serve a critical role in upholding Igbo values ? from the emotional and psychological well-being of an individual to the larger world view and continuity of an entire community. These arts functioned simultaneously to improve and reflect the quality of life, to honor gods, and to entertain. The earliest Igbo art forms - spectacular copper-alloy castings from Igbo-Ukwu - date back to the tenth century and are considered the earliest known fine metal objects from tropical Africa. Virtually no aspect of Igbo life is untouched by aesthetic concerns. Cat. # smi3************************************************************************************ THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!! We strive to earn your ***** FIVE STAR ***** rating in all 4 categories!If you are not 5 star satisfied, please contact us immediately!Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ! ************************************************************************************ Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs! Never a charge for handling! Important Note: UPS and USPS International request a daytime phone number for delivery, PLEASE be sure to include this information with your payment to ensure expedited service. Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking or free Delivery Confirmation. USPS insurance is optional and highly recommended. We gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases to reduce your costs - simply email us with your Zip or Postal Code for a combined invoice, PRIOR to making payment. We Offer a Variety of Payment Methods to Meet YOUR Needs ! PayPal, bank wire transfer or deposit, money orders, and certified or personal checks are all gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 10 days of auction close. In consideration of discounts given on Best Offers accepted, we respectfully request payment be made within 3 days unless prior arrangements are made. Please contact us directly if other arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help! Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed !!! Our commitment to customer satisfaction exceeds the standard authenticity or 'as stated' guarantees you may find elsewhere. We endeavor to ensure our collectors are thrilled with each and every item they acquire! Please contact us immediately if - for any reason - you are not pleased with your selection. Your purchase price will be gladly refunded once the item is returned to us, in its original condition, within 14 days of the initial delivery date. Affordable Auction Management and Image Hosting Solutions @ inkFrog view my other auctions below:   visit my entire auction showcase Place a Bid!