Maiden spirit mask "agbogho mmwo" · Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3052058
Werner & Lotte Krause, Hamburg, Germany
Description
wood, pigments, handwritten inventory no. “557”, rest., base
This mask type symbolizes the ideals of youthful female beauty. It belongs to the “mmwo” men’s society and is performed exclusively by men. It is worn during harvest festivals (the “yam cult”), the annual ceremonies in honor of the earth spirit “Ane”, and at elaborate funerals of society members. The mask is complemented by a colorful, tight-fitting costume with false breasts.
The object Maiden spirit mask “agbogho mmwo” with the object ID 3052058 was part of the auction Auction 105 on November 15, 2025, lot number 202 at that time and is currently available for EUR 2,000 in Open sale.
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Comparing literature
Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 212 f.
Publications
AHDRC: 0094394