Big mask with horns "atogbu akuma"

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Description

wood, polychrome paint, of elongated form with open snout, pierced square eyes, stylized human figure in bas-relief underneath the nose, linear scarification marks, metal clamps, rep. (left horn tip), missing parts through insect caused damage (snout, horns, parting), cracks, traces of abrasion;
belonging to the “akuma” cult. The mask was used manifold. It was called upon for healing a sick person or for thanking the deity immediately prior to the harvest of corn, it was performed at important funerals, greeted important visitors and helped to celebrate a good fortune. The mask is worn tipped back at an angle of about thirty degrees from the vertical.

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Publications

Afrikanische Kunst, Sammlung Robert Lewitzki, Unterlüß 2001, p. 54, ill. 80; Bomann-Museum (Hg.), Afrikanische Kunst, Sammlung Robert Lewitzki, Celle 2012, p. 26

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