Water spirit mask · Nigeria, Urhobo · ID: 3047925
Massimo Martini, Montecatini Terme, Italy (acquired around 1995)
Jan Kusters, Waalre, The Netherlands
Description
wood, pigments, base
Urhobo masks are worn at “oworhu” festivals in honour of the water spirits “edjo re ame” (“edjorame”), who according to Urhobo belief are responsible for the well-being of the community.
The Urhobo have a deep-rooted belief in spiritual forces from the waters and forests that surround them.
The object Water spirit mask with the object ID 3047925 was last part of the auction 96th Auction at April 24, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 236.
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Comparing literature
Lebas, Alain (ed.), Arts of Nigeria in French Private Collections, Milan 2012, ill. 36