Anthropomorphic face mask
Nigeria, Urhobo
not available anymore
Provenance
Serge Trullu, FranceGerman Private Collection
Alfred Weissenegger, Winklarn, Austria
Dorotheum, Vienna, 28 June 2023, Lot 30
Size
H: 49,5 cm
H: 19.5 inch
Description
wood, pigments, metal, rest., base
Urhobo masks are associated with water and earth spirits who are responsible for the well-being of the community.
This mask is associated with “ohworhu”, a powerful female water spirit. Once every decade, a large mask festival is held in honour of “ohworhu”, during which different masks appear on two days.
According to Foss, this mask represents a bride of the Urhobo, called “opha”. The hairstyle with horn-like extensions is intended to reflect the young girls’ elaborate coiffures when they are presented to the village community. Their appearance emphasises the powerful role played by the water spirits as protectors of the young women (Foss, 2004, p. 119 f., ill. 66, 68).
Comparing literature
Foss, Perkins (ed.), Where Gods and Mortals meet, New York 2004, p. 119 f., ill. 66, 68Publications
Cole, Herbert M., & Dierk Dierking (ed.), "Invention and Tradition", Munich, London, New York 2012, p. 156, ill. 65AHDRC: 0142746