Zoomorphic mask ·  Nigeria, Kantana (Mama) · ID: 3033816

Description

wood, reddish patina, black and white pigment remains, of stylized form, pierced around the rim, min. dam., minor missing parts, fissures, slight traces of abrasion;
the Mama use wooden dance crests carved as stylized bushcows or antelopes in the “mangam” masquerade, when they enlisted the aid of the ancestral spirits to ensure a successful harvest. The dancers wear these masks, while their whole body is covered by a garment of grass.

The object Zoomorphic mask with the object ID 3033816 was last part of the auction 71st tribal art auction at November 24, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 249.

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.