okua Wood, fabric, pigments, metal, cow hide, plant fiber height 11in (28cm) Provenance European Private Collection Galerie Abla and Alain Lecomte, Paris California Private Collection Published Neyt, Francois, Les Arts de la Benue - aux Racines des Traditions, Tielt, 1985, p. 137. fig. III.61 African Heritage Archives no. 0143791 This highly expressive, possible funeral mask instantly captures the viewer's attention with its large, mesmerizing eyes pierced through with large holes, highlighted around the boarders with kaolin and dotted designs on the upper portion of the lid; the gaping mouth protruding forward and revealing the upper teeth; blackened reflective patina to the front with kaolin highlights throughout and wear indicative of significant use.