Water spirit mask of the "ekine" society, Nigeria, Ijaw, Size: L: 117 cm (L: 46.1 inch), ID: 3048574

Water spirit mask of the "ekine" society, Nigeria, Ijaw, Size: L: 117 cm (L: 46.1 inch), ID: 3048574 - 2/5

Water spirit mask of the "ekine" society, Nigeria, Ijaw, Size: L: 117 cm (L: 46.1 inch), ID: 3048574 - 3/5

Water spirit mask of the "ekine" society, Nigeria, Ijaw, Size: L: 117 cm (L: 46.1 inch), ID: 3048574 - 4/5

Water spirit mask of the "ekine" society, Nigeria, Ijaw, Size: L: 117 cm (L: 46.1 inch), ID: 3048574 - 5/5

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Lot 237

Water spirit mask of the "ekine" society · Nigeria, Ijaw · ID: 3048574

sold EUR 2,900

Provenance

Belgian Private Collection

Size

L: 117 cm

L: 46.1 inch

Description

wood, pigments,
Every year a festivity in honour of the water spirits “owuamapu” 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.

Comparing literature

Anderson, Martha G., Ways of the Rivers, Los Angeles 2002, p. 148 f.

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