Bush cow helmet mask ·  Nigeria, Mumuye · ID: 3032779

Description

wood, predominantly painted in red and therefore to be classified as male type, of typical massive form, carved with a big snout and strong horns, slightly dam., fissures, traces of insect caused damage, on metal base;
secret societies in groups all along the Benue employ horizontal masks representing bush cows and other animals. The general concept of the mask seems to be to place powerful and aggressive bush creatures at the service of human society and to provide protection for crops and man. They may also appear at important ceremonies such as installations and funerals of chiefs and secret-society initiations.

The object Bush cow helmet mask with the object ID 3032779 was last part of the auction 69th tribal art auction at June 2, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 340.

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Comparing literature

Wittmer, Marcilene K., Arnett, William, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 92