Helmet mask "agbogho mmwo"

Description

wood, encrusted patina, polychrome paint, surmounted by cross-shaped arranged janiform antelope resp. ram, pierced around the rim, rep. (breakage at the horn and neck of the quadruped), fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, socle;
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.