Mask "oro efe" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba · ID: 3033550

Description

wood, polychrome paint, surmounted by a projecting superstructure, decorated with birds, snakes, and knives, slightly dam., traces of insect caused damage, paint rubbed off;
the crescent above the face suggest that this is a portrayal of a Muslim. The vertical sheathed knives symbolize male power and the courage of hunters and warriors, and hence are a reference to the patron of those who bear arms, i. e. “ogun”, the god of iron. During the opening ceremonies of a “gelede” festival, “ogun” is called upon to protect the masked singers when they take the risk of levelling satirical criticism at those in power.

Comparing literature

Witte, Hans, A Closer Look, Berg en Dal 2004, p. 43, ill. 34