This powerful brass mask, likely cast in the late 18th to early 19th century, stands as a haunting testament to West Africa's enduring artistry and spiritual depth, particularly the revered metal-casting traditions of the Benin Kingdom or Ife culture. Recovered unexpectedly during a scrap evacuation from a long-abandoned industrial warehouse, the mask’s reemergence feels less like a discovery and more like a resurrection. Its form commands attention—a sun-like headdress encircles the crown, each spoke radiating strength, ancestry, and cosmic connection. At the centre, an upright loop rises like a spiritual antenna, possibly symbolic of divine or royal status. The closed eyes suggest introspection or trance, while the open mouth with prominent, worn teeth may signify ancestral speech—perhaps a voice that once guided rituals, ceremonies, or the soul’s passage. The detailed neck lattice is regal in appearance, echoing the coral bead collars worn by Obas and spiritual intermediaries in historical court art. Crafted using the lost-wax casting method, the mask retains natural casting marks and a time-earned patina. Unlike modern reproductions, it hasn’t been cleaned or polished—its imperfections speak volumes. This untouched surface whispers stories of lineage, migration, ritual, and resilience. This piece is more than a sculptural object—it is a cultural survivor. It has likely witnessed ceremonies, spiritual dialogues, or royal commemorations. Its presence today bridges centuries of African artistic excellence and spiritual tradition. Key Attributions: 1. Traditional brass casting, West African origin.
 2. Late 18th to early 19th century, based on stylistic and material evidence.
 3. Associated with the Benin or Ife artistic lineage.
 4. Symbolic headdress, expressive facial features, and unaltered surface.
 5. Recovered from storage with no modern restoration—a raw, authentic artifact.
 6. Strong appeal to collectors, curators, and institutions seeking cultural continuity.


Height - 28.5cm Depth - 8cm Length - 18cm Weight - 0.803kg