Janus Helmet Mask, Igbo Tribe, Nigeria

Wood carved Janus head. Face covered with white pigment, with red and black pigment accents. Wood pegs  in hair, mostly broken on one side. The use of the Janus is common in Nigeria and this mask was probably created for a men's secret society. The white pigment on the face represents ancestors as the Igbo associate white with death. While the Janus mask always has two faces there is an endless variety of figures and themes.

NB the wood is split on one side of the head.

Acquired from the estate of Jacques Gansler

Dimensions: Height 10.5 inches; Depth 5 inches (approx)