Mask – Wood – Chamba – Nigeria

Great Chamba bushcow mask from Nigeria.
The Chamba people live in eastern Nigeria, to the south of the Benue river, on either side of the Cameroon border. Their large, heavy helmet masks are used in religious ceremonies, initiations, funerals as well as on the occasion of the enthronement of new chiefs. The present ‘classic’, old buffalo mask is made of heavy, brown wood. With remains of red colouring (= ‘female type’), a narrow nose
Fair condition with traces of wear and tear. The right horn is damaged. Large and heavy piece, total weight: 5500 gram!
The mask can stand on it`s own without a standard.