Water spirit mask ·  Nigeria, Ijaw, Niger Delta · ID: 3033163

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Description

light brown wood, matt brown patina, remains of pigments, of flat and elongated form, tapering towards the end (reminding of a crocodile snout), face with tube-shaped protruding eyes, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
the ancestors “duen”, the deceased local heroes “am’om” and the water spirits “owuamapu” play an important role in the Jjaws religious belief. Every year a festivity in honour of the water spirits takes place, lasting for several days, held in order to win their favour and to secure the well-being of the community. The outward appearance of the masks extremely varies, for they reflect the visionary or dreamed look a water spirit has in the eyes of its respective carver. The masks are always worn horizontal on the head, for the water spirits themselves hold their heads in one level with the surface of the water as well.

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Publications

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Afrikanische Kunst, München 1975, p. 150, fig. 207; Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Afrikanische Kunst in Deutschen Privatsammlungen, München 1973, p. 222, ill. 313

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