Featured African Mask, another Pick-o-the-Day

I usually resist African wood items, since most I see are decorative/souvenir types - but this one seems to have a lot more going for it. It is large enough to easily fit over my face, is decorated with both a white material and what looks like maybe clay plaster around the eyes, and has strips of very old/dirty cloth strapped around the back edge.
I know very little about these masks, except that they are very hard to sell if you can't identify them, so I appeal to the experts I know are here.
Thanx in advance!

 

Your mask appears to be Asian, rather than African.

Debora

 

Ah, see how little I know!
Any more details, anyone?

 

as a rule...african masks don't smile....
the white kaoiln makes it look aged...but it ain't...
tourist mask..........I'll let @Taupou ...try to place it..!
Nigeria may not be far off...

 

Thanx - I see more resemblance to this one than any Asian masks I have seen. I believe the closest mask to mine that I have found so far was also from Nigeria.
I will say that my mask doesn't look like a very comely "maiden", compared to your example!
Keep those cards & letter coming!

 

That bamboo doesn't look African.

Debora

 

I believe your mask is Igbo or Ibo, from Nigeria.

http://artkhade.com/en/object/014953/53KkX5/an-igbo-mask-nri-awka-area-
nigeria


https://www.etsy.com/listing/560773411/mask-african-igbo-spiritual-maiden?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=african igbo mask&ref=sr_gallery-1-14

Masks such as this are used in the Agbogho Mmwo dances.
It looks like it was made for use (not a tourist item). The series of holes around the edges would be for attaching the cloth covering that goes over the dancer. The carvers don't usually bother with the holes if it was not made to be worn.
"Worn by men in colorful, elaborately appliquéd bodysuits, maiden spirit masks appear in groups at annual Fame of Maidens festivals, funerals of respected elders, and, more recently, cultural events that celebrate modern Igbo identity. Their presence entertains the community, honors the deceased, and reiterates traditional values. Typically, maiden spirit masks are painted white before a performance, as that color is associated with spiritual purity." (Art Institute of Chicago)

 

Same culture, similar Maiden mask, that is perfect for an initial search.

Scar tattoos, like on LtH's mask, are typical for West Africa (and some other parts of the world). Asia has soot or ink tattoos.

 

I had some similar once that I purchased for $10 each. All tourist types African, Ivory coast from the Punu, the Guro and the Baule tribes. I averaged a little over $40 each between the 6.

 

I am late to the party but your mask has already been identified correctly and is for sure Igbo or at least in Igbo form.
Many of the Igbo maiden spirit masks have large and elaborate headdress on the top of the mask. Here is one from my collection with an average sized headdress. Sorry , it is rather dark in that room this morning so the pictures aren't the best. I have seen some massive and extremely fancy maiden masks over the years but was only ever able to add this one to the collection.

Kevin.