This hand-carved Festac mask is made from two toned wood from Benin. Festac masks originate from Nigeria and the first Festac mask was commissioned in honour of Queen Idia by her son the Oba, King of Benin in the 16th Century as recognition of her contribution to the success of his reign. More recently the term Festac has been used for the Festival of African Culture held in Nigeria in 1977. The original mask was crafted in Ivory during the reign of Oba Esigine, and it was during his reign that the Portuguese arrived in Benin and the stylised head of Portuguese traders can be seen on the crown of the Festac Mask