Item.
Old, Used And Extremely Rare Wood Dijim-Bwilim Mask. Fine Patina. 49cm. Nigeria

Origin.
The Dijim-Bwilim or Cham-Mwana people Of Gombe State in North-East Nigeria.

They number around 50,000 meaning they have a small number of artisan. That fact makes their tribal creations of artistic interest very rare. Especially the few made with wood and copper.

The Dijim-Bwilim practice animism, which is the belief that natural objects, such as animals, plants, and inanimate objects, have a spiritual essence. 

They are mainly known for making figurative terracotta vessels, also known as itinate, for a variety of purposes. These vessels were used for divination, to protect children, and to treat diseases in people and livestock. 

Their woodwork, like this mask, is less well-known and not produced prolifically with far less , if any being made today as the younger generstion of a very small ethnic group move away from gaining artisan skills in preference for more modern endeavours.

Use.
These very rare masks, as explained to us in person by a culturally knowledgeable Dijim-Bwilim elder, are representations of a primordial ancestor who protects Dijim-Bwilim communities and benevolently grants good health and fortunes.

The mask may be also be used in agricultral ceremonies celebrating a good harvest or to plead for good harvests at the beginning of planting season for food crops.

Description.
Fine, authentic and very rare tribal example that is genuinely old and used ceremonially.

The mask depict an ancestor with receded hairline resulting in the creation of what appears a mohawk-style hairstyle made from vegetative resin and glue peppered with abrus seeds.

Eyes are big and protruding and underneath them are holes and slits that allow ceremonail dancers to see and breathe.
Nose is prominent with an open and sprouting mouth beneath it.

Cheeks are exaggerated to form sagged jowls associated with the elderly.

Mask is stained dark brown with an attractive patina that has formed with age, use and Wear.
This mask is a used example believe to around five decades old, perhaps older, from provenance information we obtained about it.

Superb, and very rare mask, uncommonly featuring a seated puppet, that is a well-used and at least five decades old. Perhaps older.

Some fading of surface paint, wood degredation, tiny cracks and wood loss but mask is in good collectors condition overall.

Good form, balance and symmetry throughout. A splendid mask and fine tribal treasure surely to become a complement to any collection. Thank you for looking.

Measurement.
49cm high x 23cm wide x 22cm deep

Delivery information.
Mask will be sent using quality UPS tracked delivery service. 

We are a UK-based business but we source and field-collect tribal treasures in person on the ground in Africa as we rate authenticity of what we offer for sale higher than any other consideration related to selling African tribal art.

We therefore sometimes send big and heavy items directly from our storage facility in West Africa to avoid duplication of cost and effort.

Please allow at least two weeks for delivery after payment is made. Thank you..