Mask Item Number: Af338 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small mask with fine features and articulated jaw. Hair is in the form of a black crest. Two cone-shaped protrusions rise on either side of the crest; those in front are red, those in back are black. A long, raised scarification mark on the centre forehead ends between thin black eyebrows. Eyes are narrow slits. Small rounded ears are separated from eyes by two black raised disks with raised horizontal rectangles in between. Lips are painted black. Jaw is joined to upper section with bark(?) threaded through holes behind eyes and the top of the jaw. Perforations are made in hair crest, black cones and behind ears. Mask is patinated.
History Of Use
Worn by men in Maiden Spirit masquerades of a middle grade of the men's society (secret). They are used in a festival in preparation for the beginning of the dry season. Masqueraders dance as a group, or individually. They also dance at burial ceremonies throughout the year.
Cultural Context
Dancing
Iconographic Meaning
Maiden Spirit mask representing delicate beauty and feminine character.
Item History
- Made in Nigeria
- Collected during 1970
- Owned by Alan R. Sawyer and Erika H. Sawyer before May 1, 1977
- Received from Alan R. Sawyer (Donor) and Erika H. Sawyer (Donor) on May 1, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Ogoni
- Previous Owner
- 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
- Nigeria
When
- Collection Date
- during 1970
- Ownership Date
- before May 1, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on May 1, 1977
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0350/0012