Ibo or Igbo are known for masquerades associated with the Iko Okochi harvest festival, in which the forms of the masks are determined by tradition, the festival theme content varies yearly.

The Igbo use thousands of masks, which incarnate unspecified spirits of the dead, forming a vast community of souls. The outstanding characteristic of the many Igbo masks is that they are painted chalk white, the color of the spirit. Masked dancers wore extremely elaborate costumes (sometimes ornamented with mirrors) and often their feet and hands were covered. With their masks, the Igbo oppose beauty to bestiality, the feminine to the masculine, black to white. ( Zyama).

Good condition with a beautiful aged patina, covered with phembe, white kaoli?n. A small part of the wood on the backside is damaged.

Provenance: Manfred Sch?fer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Including professional custom made stand.

Object: Mmwo mask

Ethnic group/ culture: Ibo

Region/ country: Nigeria

Material: Wood

Period: 2nd half 20th century

Condition: Good

Sold with stand: Yes

Dimensions: 25?13?7 cm

Weight: 300 g

Reserve: $150.00

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Location: This item ships from The Netherlands.

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