Title:
Ogoni Dance Mask
Object Name:
Mask, Dance, Ritual
Other Name:
Mask, Dance, Face
Place of Origin:
Ogoni, Nigeria, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 14"
W = 9"
D = 7"
Forms of Ogoni face masks range from human, with a movable jaw, to a horned antelope to the rarest kind of all: a blend of human and horned creature. Men and boys dance in these masks and add vigorous acrobatic movements. Historically, masks were worn in ritual performances for funerals and when yams were planted and harvested. More recently they appear at Christmas and New Year celebrations, and to welcome important visitors.
H = 14"
W = 9"
D = 7"
Forms of Ogoni face masks range from human, with a movable jaw, to a horned antelope to the rarest kind of all: a blend of human and horned creature. Men and boys dance in these masks and add vigorous acrobatic movements. Historically, masks were worn in ritual performances for funerals and when yams were planted and harvested. More recently they appear at Christmas and New Year celebrations, and to welcome important visitors.
Description:
Circular—shaped wooden Ogoni zoomorphic mask, with long protruding wedge—shaped nose, extending from top of forehead to lower face area. Large circular slightly protruding eyes, large circular protruding mouth with pierced diamond—shaped opening. Small half crescent/ triangular—shaped ears. Two large horn like protrusions at top of forehead, in front of long extended top, back portion of mask. Dark brown patina covering entire surface.
Collection:
Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)
Material:
Wood W/Patina
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Carving / Painting
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2015.2.11
Click to Enlarge
Front View
Front View, Close-Up
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View
Front View
Front View, Close-Up
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View