Elephant mask ·  Nigeria, Ijaw · ID: 3034925

Description

wood, partly encrusted patina, remains of polychrome paint, helmet-shaped calotte with tube-shaped protruding eyes, flanked by tusks, a long trunk merging into a flattened quad, pierced around the rim, dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (back), cracks, traces of abrasion, socle;
elephant masks are created in a startling range of shapes. They are performed in diverse situations ranging from initiations and funerals to harvest festivals and rites of investiture. Sometimes they perform solo, sometimes they appear together with other animals.

Comparing literature

Ross, Doran H. (ed.), Elephant, Los Angeles 1992, p. 185, ill. D