Masque d'esprit de jeune fille "agbogho mmwo" ·  Nigéria, Igbo · ID: 3052058

Description

wood, pigments, handwritten inventory no. “557”, rest., base

This mask type symbolizes the ideals of youthful female beauty. It belongs to the “mmwo” men’s society and is performed exclusively by men. It is worn during harvest festivals (the “yam cult”), the annual ceremonies in honor of the earth spirit “Ane”, and at elaborate funerals of society members. The mask is complemented by a colorful, tight-fitting costume with false breasts.

Littérature comparée

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 212 f.

Publications

AHDRC: 0094394