Hello,

This is a hand-carved wooden mask showing a serene, idealized human face with stylized geometric coiffure and forehead scarification patterns (tribal marks). The stylistic features—such as the elongated facial shape, almond-shaped eyes, and detailed hair architecture—are most consistent with the Yoruba traditions of Nigeria, not Nairobi (Kenya) as initially thought.

Yoruba masks are often used in ceremonial contexts such as the Gelede festival or ancestral veneration, although this specific example appears to have been made for decorative or commercial purposes rather than ritual use. The clean carving lines, symmetrical features, and the absence of heavy patina or usage wear suggest it was created primarily for the mid-20th-century art market, which was booming with interest in “tribal art” in Europe and the United States.

Condition:
Good condition overall with some minor surface wear consistent with age. No major cracks, losses, or restoration visible from the photographs. The back appears relatively clean, again indicating non-ritual (commercial) use.