Cimier esprit de l'eau ·  Nigéria, Ijaw · ID: 3047366

Description

wood, white pigment,
This mask is the embodiment of a water spirit “owu”, as it is worn in mask dances of the male societies “ekine” and “sekiapu”.

The headdresses always combine human features with those of aquatic creatures, often with the long snout of a crocodile.

“Ekine” performances constitute a highly appreciated form of entertainment and invoke local water spirits for assistance and guidance in various matters.

Littérature comparée

Cole, Herbert M., Invention and Tradition, Munich, London, New York 2012, p. 71 f.