• Alternate view of object
  • Alternate view of object
  • Alternate view of object
  • Alternate view of object
Sep 9, 2009
Sep 9, 2009
Sep 9, 2009
Sep 9, 2009

Mask

Mask

c. 1930s

Guinea Coast, Nigeria, Igbo, 20th century

Wood, paint, and plant fiber

Overall: 56.5 cm (22 1/4 in.)

Gift of Katherine C. White 1973.222

Location

not on view

Download and Share

Download
©
Print
Social share

Description

Masks represent the incarnate dead among the Igbo. They perform at new year, harvest festivals, and funerals, where they serve to escort the spirit to the realm of the ancestors. This example unites the themes of feminine beauty and male strength into one powerful image. The white face, thin nose, small mouth, and delicate facial tattoos, epitomize the beauty of a young maiden. The two pairs of enormous horns are primary symbols of masculine courage.

See also
Collection: 
African Art
Department: 
African Art
Type of artwork: 
Mask
Medium: 
Wood, paint, and plant fiber
Credit line: 
Gift of Katherine C. White

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance information, is based on historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on objects is an ongoing process, but the information about this object may not reflect the most current information available to CMA. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

Request a digital file from Image Services that is not available through CC0, a detail image, or any image with a color bar. If you have questions about requesting an image, please email imageservices@clevelandart.org.