Nupe. <em>Maiden Spirit Mask (Agbogho Mmuo)</em>, 19th century. Wood, cloth, fiber, 16 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 11 in. (41.9 x 18.4 x 27.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1592. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.22.1592_front_PS5.jpg)

Maiden Spirit Mask (Agbogho Mmuo)

Artist:Nupe

Medium: Wood, cloth, fiber

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:19th century

Dimensions: 16 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 11 in. (41.9 x 18.4 x 27.9 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 22.1592

Image: CUR.22.1592_front_PS5.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Carved wooden face mask , painted. Elaborate headdress with geometric decoration of spirals, parallel lines and circular discs in relief as well as incised lines. Two "combs" are represented, standing up on each side of the headress. The face is long and pointed and has small open eyes and eyebrows, long sharp nose, open mouth with teeth showing. There is a curved line cut through the mask at each side of the mouth. Characteristically Ibo are the scarification marks (in relief) on the forehead and at the side of the face between each ear and eye. A row of small holes perforates the edge of the mask. There are traces of white paint. CONDITION: Paint wearing off.

Brooklyn Museum