Mask "okoroshi" ·  Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3036508

Description

wood, encrusted dark brown patina, reddish pigment remains, the actual mask face crowned by a janus-head, rising from a columnar projection, the faces marked by distinctive noses with bent bridges, min. dam., nail holes, small missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the “okoroshi” masquerade is the southern version of the “mmwo” society masquerade. This mask from the Owerre region shows strong low Cross River influence. The double faces of the superstructure reflect the concept of duality, an important theme in southeastern Nigerian art.

Comparing literature

Wittmer, Marcilene K. & William Arnett, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 34, ill. 77