240915 - Rare Traditional Authentic African Koro Ngamdak head mask - Nigeria.

Rare Traditional Authentic African Koro Ngamdak head mask from Nigeria.

Size are 55 cm high and 29 cm wide.

A headrest known as Ngamdak (meaning "man with bowed legs") is worn at the top of a dancer's head performing during biannual celebrations related to the agricultural cycle among the Jaba peoples of Central Nigeria. It appears in pair with the Nyamfaik crest (meaning "guardian of Faik village"). It is distinctive for the lightness of its geometric, openwork design, and the ingenious combination of material, including wood, black, white or red pigment, and bright red abrus seeds.

This Ngamdak headmask is from the mid of the 20th century and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

A crest known as Ngamdak (meaning "man with bowed legs") is worn at the top of a dancer's head performing during biannual celebrations related to the agricultural cycle among the Jaba peoples of Central Nigeria. It appears in pair with the Nyamfaik crest (meaning "guardian of Faik village). It is distinctive for the lightness of its geometric, openwork design, and the ingenious combination of material, including wood, red pigment, and bright red abrus seeds.

PUBLICATION : DREWAL (HENRY J.), "TRADITIONAL ART OF THE NIGERIAN PEOPLES, THE MILTON D.RATNER COLLECTION", WASHINGTON, D.C.:MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART, 1977:54, #56 ROBBINS (WARREN M.) AND NOOTER (NANCY INGRAM), "AFRICAN ART IN AMERICAN COLLECTIONS, SURVEY 1989", WASHINGTON/LONDON: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PRESS, 1989: #739