Agbogho mask
Igbo · Nigeria
Reference: MFAZ-63
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- Height
- 38 cm
- Material
- Wood and pigments.
The Agbogho masks as well as many masks of the Igbo represent female characters and who respond to their ideal of feminine beauty. In this mask…
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Full original description
The Agbogho masks as well as many masks of the Igbo represent female characters and who respond to their ideal of feminine beauty. In this mask stands out the dibuJo of a butterfly, formed by the contour of the eyes and nose, to indicate the proximity of the Alusi, to whom the mask is dedicated, and whose nature embodies. The Alusi are the geniuses of nature responsible for sickness and death to whom altars, family and in the villages, are consecrated so that they are favorable to men. These masks appear in ceremonies intended to honor the Alusi or spirits of nature. The figure without head or limbs that appears on the head could represent an Alusi. Often the statues of Alusi are represented with horns.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Mid-century XX or earlier.
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
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.
