Lot: 160

Voyage Tribal Art - Live Online Auction

Anthropomorphic mask

Nigeria, Iyekhoriomo Area, Edo-Bini

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
H: 13 inch This object is not available anymore.

wood, kaolin, remains of indigo blue pigment, base

The Bini live in the villages around the city of Benin. Like the Ishan and Urhobo, they speak Edo. In the area of Iyekhoriomo there were important centers for sculpture.

Masks of the Bini were used for dancing during the "ekpo" cult rituals. They represent clan leaders or dignitaries of high social rank.