{"title":"Featured African Art","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"vintage-igbo-elephant-mask-29-west-african-wooden-ogbodo-enyi-provenance","title":"Igbo Elephant Mask (Ogbodo Enyi), Nigeria, 29 in","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview\u003cbr\u003eMeasuring an expansive 29 inches in length, this West African wooden helmet mask represents the Ogbodo Enyi (Elephant Spirit) mask tradition of the Igbo people. Carved from a single timber block with bold Cubist geometry, the mask features forward-projecting carved wooden tusks, exaggerated ears, a faceted crest superstructure, and an expressive human face highlighted in natural white kaolin pigment. Sourced directly from the collection of Jerald Barnes—a former US diplomat who field-collected art while stationed in West Africa—this fine specimen makes a focal point for Global Eclectic interiors, gallery displays, or curated fine art collections.\u003cbr\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Artistic Background\u003cbr\u003eHailing from the Izzi Igbo region of southeastern Nigeria, the Ogbodo Enyi mask is a ceremonial helmet sculpture associated with male age-grade societies. Combining human features with powerful elephant motif symbolism, the mask embodies communal strength, endurance, and protective authority. The facial plane is traditionally painted with nzu (sacred white kaolin clay) to signify spiritual purity and connection to ancestral realms, while the sweeping geometric planes on the body reflect the sophisticated sculptural abstractions that inspired early 20th-century European modernism.\u003cbr\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Surface Character\u003cbr\u003eThe mask displays an authentic, field-collected surface with a dark matte patina, encrusted earth highlights, and well-preserved kaolin pigment within the carved facial grooves. The hollowed helmet cavity reveals hand-turned adze marks from its original carving process. Light structural age-cracking, erosion along the lower rim, and subtle handling wear are present, consistent with genuine ceremonial use and vintage field collection.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 29.0 inches\u003cbr\u003eWidth\/Diameter: 12.0 inches\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 10.0 inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight Profile: Solid \/ Heavy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049587765534,"sku":"BA-0372","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/879511793_1502832218341485_5330444299462332478_n.jpg?v=1793504391"},{"product_id":"vintage-igbo-alusi-figure-pair-carved-wood-male-female-skull-statue-22","title":"Igbo Alusi Male and Female Figure Pair, Carved Wood, 22 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pair of carved wooden Alusi figures, male and female, from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. Each stands 22 inches tall. The surfaces are whitened with kaolin clay, with black pigment on the hair, necks and scarification marks. The male figure holds a skull in his left hand. The female figure holds her hands open. Each stands on a striped pedestal above a pierced, bell-shaped base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Igbo belief, Alusi (also spelled Arusi) are deities and spirits who watch over a community, its land, its markets and its moral order. Carved figures of them stood in village and family shrines, often as a male and female pair. The pair expresses the balance the Igbo value between male and female, strength and nurture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe white coating is nzu, a kaolin clay used in Igbo prayer and offerings. A figure holding a skull or trophy head may recall courage and success in war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth figures are structurally sound and stand securely. Signs of age include light surface wear, some flaking of paint and clay, edge rubbing and fine natural wood checks. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach figure: 22 x 8 x 5 inches (H x W x D).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049594253598,"sku":"BA-0487","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/879748457_926532697059640_4232701336245492357_n.jpg?v=1793525752"},{"product_id":"vintage-yoruba-wood-carving-olowe-of-ise-style-veranda-post-african-statue-37","title":"Yoruba Veranda Post, Olowe of Ise Style, Carved Wood, 37 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA carved wooden figure group in the style of Yoruba palace veranda posts, 37 inches tall, carved from a single trunk of dense hardwood. A tall female figure stands behind a smaller seated figure whose headdress is topped with a bird. Both have long necks, oval heads, carved facial marks and beaded collars. Traces of ochre, terracotta, green and white paint remain in the carving. The figures stand on a solid round base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Yoruba kingdoms of southwestern Nigeria, the verandas of palaces and chiefs' houses were held up by carved wooden posts called opo. The most famous carver of these posts was Olowe of Ise (about 1873–1938), from the Ekiti region. One of his posts for the palace at Ikere, now in the Art Institute of Chicago, shows a seated king with his senior wife standing behind him. This piece follows that composition, with a tall standing woman behind a seated figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoruba carvers give the head extra size and care, because the head (ori) is believed to hold a person's destiny and inner power, called ase. In Yoruba art, birds often refer to \"our mothers\" (àwọn ìyá wa), elder women believed to hold great spiritual power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSolid and heavy, carved from one log. Natural drying checks and small splits, a worn matte surface, and faded traces of the original paint. The round base stands level and stable. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e37 x 14.5 x 12 inches (H x W x D).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049622597918,"sku":"BA-0835","price":900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/885658901_1136015772318743_6300383791820654971_n.jpg?v=1793503522"},{"product_id":"vintage-large-african-cast-bronze-figure-benin-court-warrior-statue-24","title":"Benin Court Warrior Figure, Cast Bronze, 24 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cast bronze standing figure in the Benin court tradition, 24 inches tall. It shows a court official or warrior in a brimmed helmet with openwork lattice. A cross-shaped pendant hangs from a beaded collar. He wears a wrapper skirt covered in chiseled scroll and cross-hatched patterns and holds a weapon or staff of office in each hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kingdom of Benin, in what is now southern Nigeria, was ruled by the Oba, whose court supported a guild of bronze casters, the Igun Eronmwon. Working for the Oba, they cast heads, figures and plaques by the lost-wax method. Their work recorded royal history, court ranks and ceremonies. The guild still works on Igun Street in Benin City today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortuguese traders reached Benin in the 15th century, and European figures and objects began to appear in court art. Cross-shaped pendants like this one appear on Benin figures of court officials. In 1897 British forces took thousands of palace works, and many are now in museums around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge unknown: we can't confirm exactly when this piece was cast. Good vintage condition with a dark bronze patina and green verdigris in the recesses. Lost-wax casting leaves natural surface variations and pitting. There is an existing opening at the top of the helmet from casting or age. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24 x 8.5 x 5 inches (61 x 21.6 x 12.7 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049625907486,"sku":"BA-0885","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/8C97BB7B-57EB-4C63-89AD-69C3840A1804.jpg?v=1793248775"},{"product_id":"vintage-igbo-ozo-titled-man-obu-house-post-african-art-nigeria-57","title":"Igbo Ozo Titled Man House Post (Obi), Nigeria, 57 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hand-carved wooden house post from the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, 57 inches tall. Two figures are carved one above the other from a single block of hardwood. The upper figure has parallel vertical marks carved across the forehead, the facial marks known as ichi. Both figures have the blocky limbs, wide eyes and open mouths seen in carving from the Awka area. The post comes with a black iron display base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the Igbo, the obi is the meeting house of a family head, where visitors are received and kola nut is shared. Carvers of the Awka and Nri areas were known for richly decorated doors and posts, many covered in geometric chip-carving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOzo is one of the highest titles an Igbo man can take, and taking it was costly. In the Awka-Nri area, men entering the Ozo title society were given ichi facial marks, like those carved on the upper figure here. Stacked figures in Igbo carving are often read as the family line and its ancestors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeathered vintage condition with deep surface wear, adze marks and natural age splits. The top is worn. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight 57 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049633640734,"sku":"BA-1006","price":1990.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/862657909_1749791736108626_5650366361077698535_n.jpg?v=1793504756"},{"product_id":"huge-22-benin-bronze-plaque-oba-with-mudfish-legs-african-wall-art-nigeria","title":"Benin Bronze Plaque, Oba with Mudfish Legs, Nigeria, 22 in","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large cast bronze wall plaque in the Benin court tradition, 22 inches tall. The shield-shaped plaque has open cut-outs and a thick braided border. At the center stands an Oba whose legs turn into mudfish. Two attendants hold up his arms. All three wear tall crowns topped with cross-shaped finials and coral-bead regalia, cast in high relief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBackground\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Oba with mudfish legs is one of the best-known images in Benin art. The mudfish can live both in water and on land, so it stands for the Oba's place between the human world and the spirit world. It also links him to Olokun, god of the sea, wealth and the waters. One tradition also links the image to Oba Ohen, who is said to have lost the use of his legs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two attendants supporting the king's arms are also a long-standing Benin theme. Chiefs held up the Oba's arms in ceremonies, a sign that his power rested on the support of his court. Coral beads, restricted by the Oba, were among the most important royal regalia and are still worn at court today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge unknown: we can't confirm exactly when this piece was cast. Vintage condition with a dark patina and lighter brass highlights on raised areas. Lost-wax casting leaves rough edges, minor pitting and texture variations. The back is hollow from casting. The plaque is heavy and structurally solid. Please see all photos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22 x 17 x 3 inches (H x W x relief depth).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree standard shipping within the US, packed securely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/benin-bronze-vs-benin-style\"\u003eBenin Bronzes: What Collectors Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049645928734,"sku":"BA-1188","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/877585036_1536715694885750_4034456279161215347_n.webp?v=1793502901"}],"url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/collections\/featured-african-art.oembed","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}