Mask Item Number: Af479 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask sepicting a male face with a raised band across the forehead, stylized ears, and eyes with crescent-shaped holes underneath each. Two holes each on both sides of face are threaded with stem (?). Painted black overall with traces of off-white on the lower portion of each eye and in two vertical bands under the nostrils.
History Of Use
Worn by males in rites of the Ekpe or Okouko secret societies.
Iconographic Meaning
White symbolizes the spirit world.
Cultural Context
ritual
Narrative
Alan Sawyer note: purchased from Saja Tunkara of Accra in 1969.
Item History
- Made in Umuahia, Nigeria before 1969
- Collected during 1969
- Owned by Saja Tunkara
- Owned by Alan R. Sawyer and Erika H. Sawyer before December 27, 1979
- Received from Alan R. Sawyer (Donor) and Erika H. Sawyer (Donor) on December 27, 1979
What
Who
- Culture
- Igbo
- Previous Owner
- Saja Tunkara, Alan R. Sawyer and Erika H. Sawyer
- Received from
- Alan R. Sawyer (Donor) and Erika H. Sawyer (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Umuahia, Nigeria
When
- Creation Date
- before 1969
- Collection Date
- during 1969
- Ownership Date
- before December 27, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on December 27, 1979
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0582/0007