Yoruba , Nigeria Epa Mask Start Price USD 1,775.00 Current Price USD 1,775.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, July 19, 2008 End Time Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Location Miami, Florida See more about 'Yoruba , Nigeria' Description SquareTrade © AP6.0Check out my other items!          Be sure to add me to your favorites list!          Yoruba / Nigeria / Epa Mask / Ritual Feeding of the Python / wood, pigment, kaolin/ H 32 inches Very complex masks known as EPA are used in the north eastern Yoruba area of Ekiti . These masks sometimes weight 60 to 80 pounds, such that the dances for which these masks are worn are tests of enormous physical endurance. As a group, these masks are dedicated to the great Ekiti carver Oleto, who carved the first such object. They are worn in processions to honor important Ekiti ancestors. These masks are also displayed inside of shrines, where they receive sacrifices and prayers. They portray either powerful female chiefs, who represent the interest of women in dealings with the king and senior chief’s council, the great warrior kings, who established the monarchies in the northern Yoruba region of Ekiti, and in some rare examples priests and diviners performing ritual / religious tasks. Dear Customer Please do NOT ask us for DISCOUNTS. This gallery is proud to offer museum grade African artifacts at the most competitive prices. All of our pieces compare favorably with the prices achieved for similar high quality pieces by the major auction houses. We don’t add 20% first, only to take it off later, as it is common practice in the art business. We will not make statements regarding age and/or provenance if we cannot substantiate such a statement. Guarantee: All of our carefully selected artifacts are genuine, authentic, and of exceptional quality. We make statements regarding age, and or provenance only if they can be substantiated. Place a Bid!