Water spirit mask ·  Nigeria, Ijaw · ID: 3033477

Description

wood, dark brown, partly encrusted patina, remains of pigments, of slender, elongated form, combining human and animal features, surmounted by a pair of notched horns, pierced around the rim, min. dam., minor missing parts through insect caused damage, slight traces of abrasion, on metal base;
the life of the Ijaw who live in the extreme wateriness of the Niger Delta is closely connected to water, which is why their headdresses depict aquatic beings instead of bush spirits. These masks were worn horizontal, because the water spirits have their face in one level with the surface of the water as well.

Comparing literature

Anderson, Martha G., Ways of the Rivers, Los Angeles 2002, p. 132