Face mask with human features and horns. [CW 23 4 98]

Collection type: Object
Description: Face mask with human features and horns. [CW 23 4 98]
Long description: Roughly carved mask of a human face. The face itself is painted white, with dark rims around the eyes, brows, mouth and hair. The eyes and mouth have both been cut out, and there are two further holes at the side. There are two red curling horns at the top of the head. [CW 23 4 98]
Geographical reference: Nigeria
Africa > Western Africa > Nigeria; Southern Nigeria
Cultural groups: Igbo
Person: Field collector Gwilym Iwan Jones; PRM source Gwilym Iwan Jones
Date / Period: Date made: Before 1937
Date collected: 1937
Acquisition information: Donated: 1938
Materials and processes: Material Wood Plant, Material Pigment, Process Carved, Process Painted
Dimensions: Width: max 207 mm, Length: max 320 mm, Depth: max 127 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 1938.15.33
Research and responses: John Picton examined this mask during a consultation visit to look at Igbo masks on 12 November 2013 and noted the following: This looks like an Igbo mask of the type boys use to practise plays because it is small in size. This combines female and male characteristics with the white-face, usually for females, and the horns, usually associated with males. When boys use masks for plays they wear them infront of the face or on top of the head, as the identity of the performer does not need to be hidden as small boys' plays require no ritual commitment and are performed for entertainment. [ZM 19/11/2013]

Search terms: Mask

Search

Further items to explore