Hand carved Igbo African mask small - 206.2

The Igbo people have produced multitude of masks. Each area has its own typology of masks. The present mask seems to come from the southwestern Igbo and was probably used to entertain the community. Among the Igbo, such masks would also dance each year during the peak of the rainy season. Several south-eastern Igbo groups stop regular activities for a full month to celebrate the time when water spirits descend from their homes in the clouds to dwell and cavort with human beings. These spirits materialize as masqueraders, who dance, strut, and flog people in the villages. The white-faced masks are female and are kind. Their darker and uglier male counterparts are mischief makers. The ceremonies are believed to have been brought by a woman, but women are not allowed to participate.

Size:  H 30cm W 13cm D 9cm