WURKUN STYLE YOKE or SHOULDER MASKS and FIGURE, Nigeria

Wurkun Style Yoke Mask 1 48" high $1500

Wurkun Style Yoke Mask  2 50" high $1500

Wurkun Style Yoke Mask 3 17.5" high SOLD

MUMUYE Yoke/Shoulder Masks

MUMUYE Yoke/Shoulder Masks 2

JUKUN Yoke/Shoulder Mask

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 their wonderful appearance these yoke masks were probably made to be sold.