Agbogho Ibo 'Maiden Spirit' Helmet Mask from Nigeria with Custom Acrylic Stand - 28.5" H X 12" W X 15" D

This piece is a vintage Agbogho mask from the Ibo peoples of Nigeria. These masks, known as Maiden Spirits are used in village festivals by male performers where dance and narrative portray the feminine ideals of maternity and beauty. These masks typically have white faces with black designs and intricately carved arched headdresses that demonstrate wealth and beauty.

The complex nature of the mask is quite unique to this culture, in their use of pigment, and the tall complex coiffure of interlocking braids. This example has scarification on the face with some patterns carved in relief and painted black and others painted on the surface. There is a large comb of spikes running from the hairline at the forehead to the rear. The rest of the hair is painted black and carved with spiral patterns, along with two representations of combs on either side of the head.

This is an exceptional piece from Nigeria and would be perfect in a public or private collection. It would lend visual interest to a wide range of interior environments from Modern, Mid-Century, to a Boho or Organic Inspired setting. 

Place of Origin: Nigeria

Date of Manufacture: 1960s-1970s

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions:

Mask: 21 in. H X 12 in. W X 15 in. D

Base: 19 in. H (Support) X 2.5 in. H (Base) X 7 in. Diam.

Total: 28.5 in. H

Reference: The Met and Cambridge University Museum. Similar examples are found in the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, and the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College.

Spurlock Museum of World Cultures at the University of Illinois

Explore more Masks at Our Taste Design.