Water spirit mask "otobo" (hippopotamus) · Nigeria, Ijaw (Ijo) · ID: 3048811
Dutch Private Collection (acquired in 1978, family owned since)
Srdjan Sremac, Den Haag, The Netherlands
Description
wood, pigment remains, missing parts
Old and rare type of a water spirit mask depicting a stylized hippopotamus “otobo”. The nose is decorated with a snake in relief, the sides of the face are carved with crocodile and turtle other creatures from the water. A formally and stylistically very similar mask was auctioned on 8 June 2009 as lot 75 at Millon & Cornette de St Cyr in Paris.
The Ijaw live in the Niger Delta, mainly from fishing. Their life is strongly influenced by water, resulting in their belief in water spirits “owuamapu”.
Water spirit masks take a variety of material forms. In addition to the hippo “otobo”, the python, crocodile, swordfish, shark and smaller fish, as well as human forms, can also represent water spirits.
Eastern or Kalabari Ijaw masking is controlled by mens societies “Ekine” and “Sekiapu”, whereas Central and Western Ijaw masks are owned by individuals, families and shrines.
All Ijaw masking, it is safe to say, averts disease and protects against evil spirits and misfortune, promotes prosperity and helps bring children. Masks accompany the dead to the afterworld and purify the community.
The object Water spirit mask “otobo” (hippopotamus) with the object ID 3048811 was part of the auction 98th Auction on March 26, 2022, lot number 212 at that time and is currently available for EUR 4,500 in Open sale.
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.
Comparing literature
Cole, Herbert M., Invention and Tradition, Munich, London, New York 2012, p. 71