Maiden spirit mask "agbogho mmwo" · Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3046166
sold
EUR 6,000
Provenance
Olivier Le Corneur (1906-1991) & Jean Roudillon, Paris, FranceGordon Heath, New York, USA/ Paris
Roger Bourahimou, Brussels, Belgium
Size
H: 33 cm
H: 13.0 inch
Description
wood, pigment remains, fabric, rest., base
The “agbogho mmwo” mask type embodies the ideal image of a woman, both in terms of physical beauty and moral values. The white clay pigmentation on the face refers to the spirits of the revered ancestors.
This masks are used mostly during agricultural festivals (usually the dry season), such as the annual “fame of maidens” festival. Also at funerals of important members of the “mmwo” society or in honour of village deities.
Publications
"Cultures, The World Arts Fair", 12-16 June 2019, Brussels, p. 15AHDRC: 0162381