Provenience undocumented (Benin City, Nigeria, 18th-19th c. dates based on chronology for Benin bronzes established by William Fagg and Philip Dark. Aaron Furman Gallery of NY, to 6/5/59; Joseph Hirshhorn purchase 6/5/59 to 5/17/66). Vetted by William Fagg and Philip Dark for HMSG. Exhibited in HMSG's "Benin Art" Dec 1978 - (?) 1980.
Description: oval-shaped hollow mask has stylized facial features with large bulging eyes with iron inlaid pupils, wide nose decorated with cross-hatched band along length of nose, lips. Scarification marks above eyes. Wears tall, mitre-shaped headdress with openwork diamond pattern & floral attachments. Lower circumference of mask has 2 flanges. Upper flange has series of mudfish. Lower flange has series of loops with 2 bigger ones at top & bottom center. Attached to the loops at bottom are 2 bells. Condition: top left mudfish on upper flange is cracked and only partially attached to surface. SI Archives acc. 86-136, box 2