 Q: any info you can give me on this mask i would appreciate… i collect african masks but i have never come across one like this….. it is aprox 17 inches top to bottom, 11 inches wide. Thank you for your help. Shaun, 1024
A: Though it seems large, with the cushion on the rear it will fit well on the top of an adult head. The dancer can see through the open mouth. It could be a tourist mask… or it could be real. I just don’t know. Please write in with your comments.
We now have two comments from readers who at least agree that this is from somewhere in Africa. I am not sure of either Boki or Yombe, but my research was limited.
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5 Comments
Eric
It’s a replica piece based on the masks of the Yombe people of the Congo.
Dan
This is a Boki Mask from the Cross River State in Nigeria. This area is very close to the border with Cameroon and it is clear that this mask is influenced by the masks of the Bamileke region of Cameroon.
Shaun
Dan, I believe you are correct. Thank you for your input… I appreciate it.
Shaun
Dan
http://www.icollector.com/Boki-helmet-mask-cross-river-nigerian-art_i11378217
http://www.hamillgallery.com/BOKI/BokiHeads/BokiHead03.html
Dan sent these two Boki mask photos in for us to look at. I’m not sure they are the same as his. You be the judge.
Eric
This isn’t Boki, and it certainly isn’t Nigerian.