Ancestral Brass Mask of Feminine Power – West African (Likely Benin/Ife), Late 18th to Early 19th Century
This brass mask represents a rare female counterpart to traditional ancestral or ceremonial masks of West African origin, most likely rooted in the Benin or Ife cultural lineage. Believed to have been cast in the late 18th or early 19th century, this artifact showcases the masterful use of the lost-wax method to evoke feminine strength, serenity, and spiritual presence. Its expressive features are softened, with closed almond-shaped eyes, a slightly arched brow, and full lips—hallmarks of ancestral reverence and composure. The large nose ring is a defining symbol, often linked to fertility, beauty, and sacred status in West African tradition, and further marks this piece as distinctively feminine. Each ear is adorned with circular brass rings, enhancing the ceremonial aura and balance in its design. Above the head rises a looped crest, surrounded by sun-ray projections echoing divine radiance or ancestral power. The collar—carefully patterned with interwoven lattice—suggests noble or ritual attire, emphasising the figure’s status in spiritual or cultural hierarchy. Unearthed from long-forgotten industrial storage during a scrap evacuation, this mask is not just art but a survivor. It carries no modern polish or reconstruction, preserving a natural brass patina and visible casting marks—evidence of its authenticity and untouched passage through time. This piece may have been part of a male–female ceremonial set, used in spiritual rites, ancestral veneration, or courtly performances where the balance of masculine and feminine energies was honoured. Attribution Highlights: 1. Hand-cast brass using the lost-wax method 2. Feminine ancestral figure, with symbolic adornments (nose and ear rings) 3. Likely Benin or Ife, late 18th–early 19th century 4. Untouched surface with authentic patina and casting artifacts 5. Possibly part of a ritual mask pair (with male counterpart) 6. High value to collectors, curators, and institutions specialising in African heritage
Height - 27cm Depth - 11cm Length - 18.5cm Weight - 0.798kg
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This item is a brass ancestral mask of West African origin, stylistically linked to the Benin or Ife cultures of southern Nigeria, and likely cast in the late 18th to early 19th century. It represents a rare feminine counterpart within the ancestral mask tradition, featuring ceremonial adornments and distinct facial features associated with reverence, fertility, and spiritual presence.
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Historical and Cultural Context
While most surviving ancestral brass masks from Benin or Ife are male-identified or royal court depictions, this example is sculpted with subtle indicators of feminine identity and ritual function. The full lips, almond-shaped closed eyes, slightly arched brows, and especially the large brass nose ring signify beauty, fertility, and high status in traditional West African cosmology.
The sun-ray motif and looped crest above the head echo divine energy or ancestral enlightenment. These features, along with the collar’s intricate interwoven lattice pattern, elevate the mask’s ceremonial role, potentially linked to rites of passage, healing, or dual-gender spirit performances (egungun or iroko-based traditions).
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Craftsmanship and Condition
Cast using the lost-wax method, the piece bears authentic marks of its production: raw casting seams, tool marks, and natural brass patina. No evidence of modern polishing or restoration is visible, reinforcing its period authenticity. The balance of adornment (circular ear rings, symbolic facial symmetry) suggests it was part of a paired ceremonial set, complementing a male mask used in court or spiritual rituals honoring duality and cosmic balance.
Discovered in industrial storage and untouched by commercial reproduction processes, this mask’s value lies equally in its ritual identity and survival as an authentic cultural object.
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