Mask with hinged jaw "elu" ·  Nigeria, Ogoni · ID: 3034926

Description

wood, slightly encrusted patina, polychrome paint, crowned by a standing figure, both hands pierced (once holding items), rep. (nose tip, right ear), slight traces of abrasion;
“elu” masks are worn by young men of the “ogoni” secret society. They were attached to a cone-shaped fibre and cloth cap. The corresponding costumes varied. The small caricatures represent different characters. In a funny or tragic way they illustrate oral traditions in stories and songs.

Comparing literature

David, Jean, Ogoni, Zürich 2002, p. 34