Mask "mangam" ·  Nigeria, Kantana (Mama) · ID: 3039671

Description

heavy wood, reddish brown patina, of characteristic form, parallel scarifications in the area of the forehead, min. dam., missing parts (back), cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
“mangam” masks were worn during events directed at securing agricultural success, promoting healing, and marking rites of passage as a part of a ritual complex called “mangam”. Each “mangam” mask consists of a central crest flanked by a snout and horns. There are three key mask genres: the bush cow (or dwarf forest buffalo), the waterbuck, and the reedbuck. Present mask is a “small” mangam buffalo mask. This type is said to have been used during initiation ceremonies of the young.

The object Mask “mangam” with the object ID 3039671 was last part of the auction 81st Tribal Art Auction at October 31, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 340.

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