Mask Bufalo Kantana

Mama · Nigeria

Reference: MFZ-42

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Height
29 cm
Material
Wood and pigments.

Stylized representation of the buffalo whose horns join together forming a circle. It is an agrarian mask that protects the fertility of the fields, which is…

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Full original description

Stylized representation of the buffalo whose horns join together forming a circle. It is an agrarian mask that protects the fertility of the fields, which is why it appears on the agricultural festivities and sometimes on those of human fertility. Its horns symbolize fertility. This mask is part of a scimer that is placed on a braided straw cap that sits on the head of the dancer who is dressed in herbs and vegetable fibers. Participates in ritual dances, accompanied by dances and music, mainly in agricultural festivities called MangamThese ritual dances are intended to dominate the life force capable of promoting the development and prosperity of the clan as well as protecting the social order, the fertility of the fields and the good result of the harvests. It represents the animal called “zun“ Buffalo with big horns forming a circle. They symbolize the jungle spirits. They belong to the “Dakka” group.

It is an agricultural buffalo mask, protecting the fertility of the fields, which is why it appears on the agricultural festivities and sometimes on those of human fertility. Its horns symbolize fertility. This mask is part of a scimer that is placed on a braided straw cap that sits on the head.

It is also a mask of hunter, very much in contact with the earth. They participate in dances held in honor of the first ancestor founder of the ethnic group and Mala, the chief's first paternal aunt, who appears under a buffalo mask that covers his body with raffia leaves and fibers.

Also in the enthronement of the chiefs and in the funeral rites, to accompany the deceased on his way to the hereafter. Rugous brown patina.

Further technical information
Width
28 cm
Attributed period
Mid-century XX or earlier.

Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.

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Nigeria. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.

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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.

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