Maiden Spirit Mask Item Number: 3326/7 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mmwo helmet mask. Carved from a single piece of wood, this mask depicts a delicate female face with a large ornate coiffure. The face is coloured white with black dashed lines down the centre of the forehead and across brow ridge, outlining the eyes and mouth, vertical lines beneath each eye, and three large dots by each ear. The hair is shown divided into triangular sections with three rolls on each side of the large crest. The rolls on one side connect, while the other side is broken. The crest looks like a wheel and spokes with six sections of twisted hair connecting to a curved line. The rim of the mask has a series of holes around it.
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.
Narrative
Assumed to have been collected by Lieber while he was living in Nigeria (1965-1970), lecturing at the University of Ibadan under the auspices of CIDA.
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.
Cultural Context
performance; dancing
Item History
- Made in Nigeria before 1965
- Collected between 1965 and 1970
- Owned by Jack Lieber before 2015
- Owned by Iris Lieber before June 18, 2018
- Received from Iris Lieber (Donor) on June 18, 2018
What
Who
- Culture
- Igbo
- Previous Owner
- Jack Lieber and Iris Lieber
- Received from
- Iris Lieber (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nigeria
When
- Creation Date
- before 1965
- Collection Date
- between 1965 and 1970
- Ownership Date
- before 2015 and before June 18, 2018
- Acquisition Date
- on June 18, 2018
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 3326/0007