Water spirit mask · Nigeria, Ijaw · ID: 3037724
Description
wood, encrusted brown patina, remains of pigments, slender form with pointed chin, stylized facial features, min. dam., cracks, small missing parts, traces of abrasion, base;
the ancestors “duen”, the deceased local heroes “am’om” and the water spirits “owuamapu” play an important role in the Ijaws religious belief. Every year a festivity in honour of the water spirits takes place, lasting for several days, held in order to win their favour and to secure the well-being of the community. The outward appearance of the masks extremely varies, for they reflect the visionary or dreamed look a water spirit has in the eyes of its respective carver. The masks are always worn horizontal on the head, for the water spirits themselves hold their heads in one level with the surface of the water as well.
The object Water spirit mask with the object ID 3037724 was last part of the auction 78th tribal art auction at October 18, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 308.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Expertise
Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, München, 7.6.2003
Comparing literature
Anderson, Martha G., Ways of the Rivers, Los Angeles 2002, p. 143