Mask ·  Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3032699

Description

wood, encrusted black pigment, kaolin, a gazing look from painted pupils and eyes framed with black paint, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of abrasion, on metal base;
this mask type appeared at so-called “okoroshi” ceremonies, which are connected with rituals for deities or spirits of the water “owu”. The mask type is spread from the southwestern to the northern Igbo country. During the rainy season all activities come to rest for about a month, in order to celebrate the appearance of the water spirits. Two groups of dancers are posted opposite to each other: those who encorporate the good spirits “okoroshi oma” or “beautiful ghosts”, whose masks and costumes were dyed in white and on the opposite - those who encorporate the evil spirits “okoroshi ojo” or “malicious, dark ghosts”, whose faces are blackened.

Comparing literature

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, p. 256