Mask, Paddle, Ohoroshi Oma : 2015.5.10

Title:

Igbo Paddle Mask (Ohoroshi Oma)

Object Name:

Mask, Paddle, Ohoroshi Oma

Other Name:

Mask, Igbo

Place of Origin:

Igbo (In'be), Nigeria, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 11"
W = 9"
D = 4"

1930—1940

This mask type appears at "okoroshi" ceremonies, which are connected with rituals for deities or spirits of the water "owu". The mask type is spread from the southwestern to the northern Igbo country. During the rainy season all activities come to rest for about a month, in order to celebrate the appearance of the water spirits. Two groups of dancers are posted opposite to each other: those who encorporate the good spirits "okoroshi oma" or "beautiful ghosts", whose masks and costumes were dyed in white and on the opposite — those who encorporate the evil spirits "okoroshi ojo" or "malicious, dark ghosts", whose faces are blackened.

Description:

Oval—shaped ceremonial mask, painted in white, black and red paint. Right ear adorned with metal earring. Indigo blue fibre tufts, culminating in a raised vertical middle ridge across forehead, oval—shaped pierced eyes, triangular—shaped nose. Laughing mouth revealing two rows of teeth, the coiffure overlapping the forehead in three tapering points, the face enclosed by a raised rim arranged in half—circles.

Collection:

Institute of International Studies Collection

Material:

Wood W/Yarn, Paint and Metal

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving / Weaving / Painting

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University

Accession#:

2015.5.10