Water spirit mask

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Description

wood, matt patina, remains of polychrome paint, round mask face with a deeply hollowed facial plane and tubular projecting eyes, plug on the head, concave vaulted shield-shaped projection at the chin, carved with a stylized bird, min. dam., fine cracks, 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 festival 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.

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Comparing literature

Anderson, Martha G., Ways of the Rivers, Los Angeles 2002, p. 209, ill. 6.25

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Publications

Massa, Gabriel & Francois Ndiaye, L' oiseau dans l' art de l' Afrique de l' Ouest, 2004, p.122, ill. 199

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Exhibition

Mairie du VIe Arrondissement, Paris 2005; Muséum d'histoire naturelle, Grenoble 2005; Museum d'histoire naturelle, Aix-en-Provence 2005

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