WURKUN STYLE YOKE or SHOULDER MASK 1, Nigeria

Photographs © Tim Hamill

WURKUN
YOKE MASK 1
48" high
$1500, Nigeria

The Wurkun, like the Mumuye, have shoulder or yoke masks, known as Sukwava, which displays an elongated neck set under a diminutive head, but with much more expressive features. Traditionally, they were used during pre-war ceremonies, but nowadays they are worn during rain-making and healing practices.

Peoples such as the Mumuye, the Chamba, the Jukun, the Wurkun and the Montol live along the Benue River in eastern Nigeria.

Despite its wonderful appearance this yoke mask was probably made to be sold.

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