Helmet mask "agbogho mmwo"
Nigeria, Igbo
sold
EUR 1,100
Size
H: 44 cm
H: 17.3 inch
Description
wood, the facial plane whitened with kaolin while facial features and raised scarification marks are accentuated by black paint, crowned by a three-parted bow-shaped coiffure, min. dam., missing parts, traces of abrasion;
according to Cole representing the “spirit of a young maiden” - “agbogho mmwo”. Belonging to the men’s “mmwo” society. Such masks were worn by young men on harvest festivities and at the annual ceremonies in honour of the earth spirit “ane”. The dancers wore coloured tight costumes with false breasts.