Igbo mask (Agbogho Mmuo) - Igbo - Nigeria

This mask, which belobgs to the Agbogho Mmuo tupe, is a simple, non-perforated crest mask, with a carved and rested coiffure, combs and scarifications. Its simplicity makes it very expressive. Agbogho Mmuo or Maiden Spirits are helmet masks intended to represent the spirit of a beautiful female ancestor and they are danced during annuam ceremonies which are held during the dry season and which can also be performed at funeral services in the Igbo territories. The mask is worn by men only, who imitate the movements of a graceful female yo music played on traditional drums. The lightness of the mask does not idealize white skin, but indicates the spirit nature of the girl represented.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection
Argiles collection, Barcelona