An Igbo-Izzi Mask "ogbodo enyi" Lot n° 63

Mask "ogbodo enyi" Igbo-Izzi, Nigeria (Izzi-Ezza, NE Igboland) Mit Sockel / with base Wood, copper. H 35 cm. L 62 cm. Provenance: - Dr. Samir Dallank, Bernay (France). - Georges-Jacques Haefeli (1934-2010), La Chaux-de-Fonds. - Binoche, Paris, 10.10.2005, lot 128. - Private collection, French-speaking Switzerland. Described by Binoche (Paris, 10.10.2005; lot 128) as follows: "Masque Izzi de l'esprit éléphant. Sud-est du Nigeria. Bois à décor pyrogravé, cuivre, traces de polychromie, belle patine d'usage L. 62 cm. € 12.000-15.000 Provenance : Ancienne collection du Docteur Dallanck. Le masque de l'esprit éléphant, ogbodo enyi, est pour les populations lgbo du nord-est un masque de très grand pouvoir. It appears during the ceremonies of the low season and during certain funerary rites. Thanks to its beautiful architecture with elegant curves and swift volumes and the magnificent carving of the human face adorning its base, this mask may well be considered one of the masterpieces of this artistic production." ----------------------------------------------------- ogbodo-enyi mask ("spirit of the elephant"), which is widespread among the Izzi, Ezzi and Ikwo in the north-eastern Igbo region. Originally, the masked figures, which appeared aggressive and violent, monitored social order, but today their function is largely limited to entertaining dances. This boldly conceived mask is an extremely successful example of a skillful abstraction of naturalistic models, which was a major source of inspiration for Western artists on their way to Cubism at the beginning of the 20th century. Further reading: Cole, Herbert M., Aniakor, Chike, A. (1984). Igbo Arts. Los Angeles: Museum of Cultural History, UCLA. CHF 8 000 / 12 000 Weight in grams: 5800 Condition: The condition (possible wear, signs of use, tears, possible other impairments and the signs of age etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions (info@hammerauktionen.ch). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.