Zoomorphic mask "mangam" ·  Nigeria, Kantana (Mama) · ID: 3040079

Description

wood, red patina, 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, cracks, rest. (both horn tips), 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 “mangam” with the object ID 3040079 was last part of the auction 82nd Tribal Art Auction at February 27, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 395 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.

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 & Herbert List, Bildwerke aus Nigeria, München 1963, ill. 137