Nupe. <em>Maiden Spirit Mask (Agbogho Mmuo)</em>, 19th century. Wood, pigment, 14 1/2 x 6 1/4 x 8 1/4in. (36.8 x 15.9 x 21cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.823. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.22.823_front_PS5.jpg)

Maiden Spirit Mask (Agbogho Mmuo)

Artist:Nupe

Medium: Wood, pigment

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:19th century

Dimensions: 14 1/2 x 6 1/4 x 8 1/4in. (36.8 x 15.9 x 21cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 22.823

Image: CUR.22.823_front_PS5.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Carved wooden spirit mask of a female. A central crest extends from back of head to forehead and is decorated with incised parallel lines and raised circular discs. Face narrows from ears to chin; eyes are small; nose is elongated; mouth is open and displays segmented teeth (some missing); bottom lip chipped. Nose and eyes are perforated. Black pigment can be found on spiralling forms carved into cap of headpiece, star pattern on forehead, three circular raised discs at temples, eyebrows, eyes, and lips. Pigment loss; surface soil and abrasion. Ear and nose chipped.

Brooklyn Museum