This Ibo ( Igbo) Okoroshi mask is coming from the collection of the Dutch painter-sculptor Karle Gomes. These masks where used for the Owu waterspirit cult, during the rain season.
H= 23 cm. 31cm on the metal stand (included) The mask is in a very light wood ( bois de fromager) Some inscriptions on the inside of the mask ( Ibo. A Gouher) No holes on the inside rim. Black pigments,white kaolin, yellow.
The Okoroshi Oma white-faced mask , represent a pretty women. Opposed to Okoroshi Ojo the black ugly male mask.
Together they represent the dualities of good/evil, female/male, white clouds/dark rain clouds, beauty/distortion, delicate features/large misshapen features, village/wilderness,order/chaos, clarity/mystery. ( ref.: Igbo, by Herbert Cole )
Sold with a custom made metal stand
Coming from the collection of Karel Gomes (1930-2016), a deceized sculptor, artist, sculptor
B/w ill. : Okorshi oma (middle), the pretty water spirit flanked by two Okoroshi ojo, violent evil spirit masks. Southern Igbo area, Nigeria. Photo: Herbert Cole.
- Object
- Mask
- Indigenous object name
- Okoroshi
- Ethnic group/ culture
- Igbo
- Region/ country
- Nigeria
- Material
- Wood
- Period
- Late 20th century
- Condition
- Good
- Sold with stand
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 23×15×9 cm