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Iconographic Meaning

Maiden spirts represent delicate beauty and the feminine character. The spiritual and moral qualities of young women are idealized through exaggerated small features and a pale complexion.

History Of Use

The masks are performed by men as masqueraders for middle grade initiation in the men’s secret society. They are also danced at festivals during the dry season to promote abundant harvest and at funerals of prominent members of society to escort the dead to the spirit world. The dancers mime the graceful movements and deportment of young women and sing in praise of both real and spirit maidens. The elaborate upper section is meant to portray nineteenth century ceremonial hairstyles that evoke wealth and royalty.

Description

Mmwo helmet mask. Carved from a single piece of wood, the mask depicts a female face with an ornate coiffure. Face is cream coloured, with patches of pink. Black outlines surround protruding ears, narrow rectangular eye holes and open mouth with square teeth. Face is decorated with 2 black bands on forehead, 4 in front of each ear and a raised curved line on each cheek. A short black line runs from lower lip to chin. Small holes ring base of mask. Intricate black headdress carved with lines and circles. 5 rounded twists protrude on each side of head. A thin curved board extends from forehead to middle of scalp with 6 rounded triangles atop rectangular pedestals. Forehead is carved with vertical lines.

Cultural Context

performance; dancing