This mask is an idealised head of a prominent person. Furthermore, the observation slits under the eyes clearly indicate that the mask was meant to be used. But although it is life-sized, the opening in its back is too small to fit a head, and thus it must have been intended to be held in front of the face.

Compared to similar masks, the one pictured here is relatively young. Since most Ife objects were likely cast in Benin, we can assume that the motif here was replicated over many centuries in its original form. An especially careful analysis was conducted because of the object’s age and the discrepancies of the previous results.

The piece is in very good condition and has a nicely evolved patina.

Cp.:
Stefan EISENHOFER: Rätselhafte Meisterwerke. Die Kunst aus Ife, in: Ife, Akan und Benin. Westafrikanische Kunst aus 2000 Jahren, Pforzheim 2000, S. 20/ 21.
Frank WILLETT: Ife. Metropole afrikanischer Kunst, Bergisch Gladbach 1967, S. 33.
Ekpo EYO, Frank Willett: Kunstschätze aus Alt-Nigeria, Mainz 1983, S. 99.