Helmet mask

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Description

wood, blackish brown patina, elaborate coiffure with disc-shaped middle crest and lobes on both sides with ornamental combs, forehead ridge and skin scarifications, slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, paint rubbed off, base;
present mask strongly resembles Igbo “mmwo” society masks. R. Sieber relates that Idoma masks were employed by secret dance guilds often associated with headhunting societies (since outlawed). In the second half of the 20th century the secrecy ot the guilds has been relaxed and their spiritual significance diminished.

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Expertise

Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, 01.05.2003, Munich, Germany

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Comparing literature

Wittmer, Marcilene K. & William Arnett, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 102, ill. 244 Neyt, Francois, The Arts of the Benue, Michigan 1985, p. 153, ill. III.84

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