Mambila Wood Mask, Nigeria, Based

The highlands where Nigeria meets Cameroon. A face stripped to its planes, and none the poorer for it.

This carved wood mask is from the Mambila peoples, made in the 20th century. Mambila carving is known for its bold, abstract treatment of the face, with large hollowed eyes and simplified planes that give the work a strikingly modern look. It stands nearly twenty-two inches tall, with a custom base to hold it upright.

Nothing about it is fussy. Large hollowed eyes, simplified planes, and the confidence to leave it at that. Hang nothing near it. Let those hollow eyes have the room.