Egungun masquerade head-dress finial, Yoruba, Nigeria

Good condition overall; a few small chips and losses to the base, ears, and hair; a thin minor crack to the left-hand side of the face; a few other superficial cracks.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Yoruba people do not disassociate dead members of a family from the living and ancestors are believed to continue to excercise their influence over the lives of the living. At least once a year the spirits of these departed ancestors return to earth as robed masqueraders during the festivals known as Odun Egungun. There is a rich variation in the costumes and rituals of Egungun, and masqueraders would often wear carved masks or head-dresses, such as the offered lot. The masqueraders appearance might represent specific individuals or the collective ancestors of a a lineage or town.