{"product_id":"vintage-igala-ofogli-mask-20-west-african-wood-crest-jerald-barnes-provenance","title":"Vintage Igala Ofogli Mask 20\" West African Wood Crest Jerald Barnes Provenance","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview\u003cbr\u003eMeasuring 20 inches in length, this rare West African hand-carved wooden helmet mask represents the Ofogli (or Ofogoli) zoomorphic masquerade tradition of the Igala people. Designed to be worn horizontally over the head, the sculpture features an elongated snout, dual ridged horns, incised facial striations, and a central ring crest finial—all vibrant with hand-applied polychrome pigments in red ochre, yellow, white kaolin, and black ground. Sourced directly from the estate collection of Jerald Barnes—a former US diplomat who field-collected ethnographic art while stationed in West Africa—this museum-grade specimen serves as a dynamic focal point for Global Eclectic, Mid-Century Modern, Wabi-Sabi, or curated gallery interiors. Ideal for placement on a console, low credenza, or custom display riser.\u003cbr\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Artistic Background\u003cbr\u003eHailing from the Igala kingdom along the Niger-Benue river confluence in central Nigeria, Ofogli helmet masks represent powerful bush spirits (Egu) or composite animal spirits that connect the physical and ancestral realms. Traditionally worn horizontally during major harvest celebrations, ancestral honors, and lineage festivals, these masks synthesize bovine, reptile, and spirit attributes to embody communal protection and authority. The exterior is decorated with symbolic painted target circles, contrasting geometric bands, and perimeter perforations along the base rim where full raffia skirts were traditionally fastened.\u003cbr\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Surface Character\u003cbr\u003eThe mask displays an authentic, field-collected surface with multi-toned polychrome mineral pigments over a dense carved hardwood core. Natural age flaking, soil encrustation, matte smoke patination, and interior adze carving marks reflect genuine ritual performance and vintage field collecting. The wood structure remains solid, balanced, and structurally sound.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 20.0 inches\u003cbr\u003eWidth\/Diameter: 12.0 inches\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 9.0 inches\u003cbr\u003eWeight Profile: Moderate \/ Solid\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049587699998,"sku":"BA-0370","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.8457367518_pm8a.jpg?v=1790371500","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-igala-ofogli-mask-20-west-african-wood-crest-jerald-barnes-provenance","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}