Zoomorphic mask "mangam" ·  Nigeria, Kantana (Mama) · ID: 3036867

Description

light brown wood, reddish paint, of characteristic stylized form with projecting horns describing an oval form and open mouth, collection number “AF 180 von Schroeder MAMA” at the back, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage,
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 “mangam” with the object ID 3036867 was last part of the auction 77th tribal art auction at June 28, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 313.

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

Fagg, William, List, Herbert, Bildwerke aus Nigeria, München 1963, ill. 137