"Mangam" headdress ·  Nigeria, Northern Benue, Kantana (Mama), Kulere · ID: 3051086

Description

wood, red ochre, base

According to Barbara Frank, these headdresses were used by groups such as the Kantana, Mada, Rindre, Kulere and Ron of Sha in the context of a ritual complex called ‘mangam’.

According to Frank, the masks themselves are also called ‘mangam’. Each mask consists of a crest carved with horns of different animals, whereby three main types can be distinguished: dwarf forest buffalo (as in the present case) and antelope species such as waterbuck and reedbuck.. All “mangam” variants were worn with a lavish costume of overlapping palm leaf cuffs that completely concealed the dancer’s body.

“Mangam” mask dances were performed on various occasions, for example to ensure agricultural success, to promote healing or to mark rites of passage.

Comparing literature

Barbara Frank, "Kantana, Kulere and Their Neighbours South of the Jos Plateau", in: Berns, Marla C. et. al., "Arts of the Benue River Valley", Los Angeles 2011, p. 393 ff. & p. 396, ill. 12.5