Igbo, Maiden Spirits (mmwo) Mask, Nigeria - Oct 19, 2018 | Rago Arts And Auction Center In Nj
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IGBO, MAIDEN SPIRITS (MMWO) MASK, NIGERIA

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IGBO, MAIDEN SPIRITS (MMWO) MASK, NIGERIA
IGBO, MAIDEN SPIRITS (MMWO) MASK, NIGERIA
Item Details
Description
20th c.
Carved wood, pigment, cloth
17" x 8" x 11"
Provenance: Allan Stone Collection, New York
These masks were worn by young Igbo men of the society of the “mmwo” or “maiden spirits” on the occasion of maiden ceremonies. Maiden ceremonies instructed and educated the young in both moral behavior and the canons of physical beauty, as these correspond to ethics: height, a correct posture, a slim and straight nose and a small mouth symbolized generosity, purity, obedience and good character. These dances also took place to mark the harvest and the dry season for the feast of the Earth Goddess, to propitiate a rich and abundant harvest.
References
Nigeria, Collections, Ethnological Museum, Vatican Museums (museivaticani.va)
Condition
Condition reports are rendered as specialist opinion by the staff of the Auction House and/or independent consultants and not as statements of fact. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot. ?? ?Please call us at (609) 397-9374 or e-mail info@ragoarts.com with any questions about this lot at least 24 hours prior to auction.?
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IGBO, MAIDEN SPIRITS (MMWO) MASK, NIGERIA

Estimate $400 - $600
See Sold Price
Starting Price $200
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Item located in Lambertville, NJ, us
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