Bush cow helmet mask ·  Nigéria, Mumuye · ID: 3036475

Description

wood, brown patina, red pigment remains (therefore to be classified as male type), of typical massive form, carved with a big, open snout and strong horns, forehead scarifications, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, fine vracks;
secret societies in groups all along the Benue employ horizontal masks representing bush cows and other animals. The general concept of the mask seems to be to place powerful and aggressive bush creatures at the service of human society and to provide protection for crops and man. They may also appear at important ceremonies such as installations and funerals of chiefs and secret-society initiations.

Littérature comparée

Wittmer, Marcilene K. & William Arnett, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 92