1 / 9
a close up of a wooden mask with a black backgroundan old wooden mask with a black background and a black backgroundan image of a mask on a stand against a black backgrounda stone head on a stand with a black backgroundan image of a stone head on a stand against a black backgroundan image of a mask on a stand against a black backgrounda close up of a mask on a stand against a black backgroundan old helmet is sitting on a stand against a black backgrounda close up of a brown vase on a black surface
AGUTTES

Estimate €600 - €800
Sale commission
Description
IGALA Helmet-style mask (egu) 20th century. Height: 19 cm; Width: 26 cm. A crusty patina covers this mask, which is crafted in a highly naturalistic style. The ears are protruding, the eyes are coffee-bean shaped and the mouth is wide open. The headdress consists of a plait at the back of the head. The face has an aggressive expression. The mask bears the four broad vertical incisions (sometimes called ‘cat’s paws’) on the forehead, a distinctive feature of the Igala ethnic group. Provenance: Pierre Redouin Collection. Description: The highly aggressive expression of this type of egu mask makes it a mask associated with maintaining order; it is used to ensure that laws are observed during ceremonies and to keep the crowd away from the royal mask, which is considered too sacred (and dangerous) to be touched.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale The Breath of the Spirits: The Collection of Pierre Redouin and Others
Auction location
Auction time 09/24/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like