Anthropomorphic face mask · Nigeria, Urhobo · ID: 3048678
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 9 March 2013, Lot 359
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany
Description
wood, polychrome paint, remains of fabric, mirror glass, metal,
Urhobo masks are associated with water and earth spirits who are responsible for the well-being of the community. Large mask festivals are held in their honour at intervals of several years.
This mask is associated with “ohworhu”, a powerful water spirit (“edjorame”). There are different interpretations of its meaning:
The mask is referred to as one of the “children of the spirit” - “emedjo”, who appear at times of the highest water level of the Niger to bring the “blessing of deep water” to the villages.
She is also supposed to represent a young girl of marriageable age, a bride “opha” who is under the special protection of “ohworhu”. The hairstyle with horn-like extensions is meant to reflect the elaborate hairstyle that brides wear when they are presented to the village community.
The object Anthropomorphic face mask with the object ID 3048678 was last part of the auction 98th Auction at March 26, 2022 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 60.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Comparing literature
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 46 Foss, Perkins (ed.), Where Gods and Mortals meet, New York 2004, p.120, ill. 68
Publications
AHDRC: 0100933