Mambila mask - Nigeria
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Masque Mambila, a wooden mask from the Mambila people of Nigeria, dating to the late twentieth century, measuring 38 cm high and 15 cm wide, sold with a stand and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Origin. Nigeria
Tribe name. Mambila
Material. Wood
Dimension. H 38. L 15 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open
This is a typical and remarkable example of a decorative Mambila mask, originating from the border region between Nigeria and Cameroon. In the context of African tribal art, this piece is associated with the Suaga (or Sukwak) society.
This mask features highly stylized zoomorphic traits. The elongated shape and the gaping mouth, equipped with sculpted teeth, typically evoke a crocodile or a reptilian creature, symbols of power and danger in Mambila culture.
One of the most distinctive features of this mask is the pair of globular eyes mounted on rods or tubular protrusions. This exaggeration of the eyes is a classic iconographic element among the Mambila, aimed at giving the mask a supernatural expression and piercing vision.
The form is both robust and angular, typical of Mambila sculpture which favors geometric volumes over pure naturalism.
The Suaga Society: These masks are the emblems of the Suaga society, a masculine organization that plays a role as a social regulator. This society is responsible for maintaining order, resolving disputes, and enforcing community justice.
The mask bearer would intervene during healing rites, initiations, or ceremonies related to the management of the village’s judicial affairs. The mask acts as an intermediary between the spirit world (whose force it channels) and the human community.
By wearing this mask, the dancer embodies a protective and formidable force. The crocodile, due to its habitat (between land and water), is often seen as a mediator or a force capable of navigating between different worlds, which reinforces the bearer’s authority during decisions made by the Suaga society.
Origin. Nigeria
Tribe name. Mambila
Material. Wood
Dimension. H 38. L 15 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open
This is a typical and remarkable example of a decorative Mambila mask, originating from the border region between Nigeria and Cameroon. In the context of African tribal art, this piece is associated with the Suaga (or Sukwak) society.
This mask features highly stylized zoomorphic traits. The elongated shape and the gaping mouth, equipped with sculpted teeth, typically evoke a crocodile or a reptilian creature, symbols of power and danger in Mambila culture.
One of the most distinctive features of this mask is the pair of globular eyes mounted on rods or tubular protrusions. This exaggeration of the eyes is a classic iconographic element among the Mambila, aimed at giving the mask a supernatural expression and piercing vision.
The form is both robust and angular, typical of Mambila sculpture which favors geometric volumes over pure naturalism.
The Suaga Society: These masks are the emblems of the Suaga society, a masculine organization that plays a role as a social regulator. This society is responsible for maintaining order, resolving disputes, and enforcing community justice.
The mask bearer would intervene during healing rites, initiations, or ceremonies related to the management of the village’s judicial affairs. The mask acts as an intermediary between the spirit world (whose force it channels) and the human community.
By wearing this mask, the dancer embodies a protective and formidable force. The crocodile, due to its habitat (between land and water), is often seen as a mediator or a force capable of navigating between different worlds, which reinforces the bearer’s authority during decisions made by the Suaga society.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Nigeria
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Mambila mask
Height
38 cm
Width
15 cm
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