Water spirit mask · Nigeria, Ijaw · ID: 3036860
Description
wood, partly shiny patina, polychrome paint, round calotte with tube-shaped protruding eyes and curved nose, the snout reminding of a crocodile, plug-like projection on top, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
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.
The object Water spirit mask with the object ID 3036860 was last part of the auction 77th tribal art auction at June 28, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 307.
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Comparing literature
Anderson, Martha G., Ways of the Rivers, Los Angeles 2001, p. 132
Publications
Le Than, Khoi, Un desir de beauté, o.O. 2006