Igbo. <em>Maiden Spirit Helmet Mask (Agbogho Mmwo)</em>, early 20th century. Wood, pigment, string, 19 3/4 x 5 3/4 x 12 in. (50.2 x 14.6 x 30.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Marc and Ruth Franklin in memory of Lillian S. Korzenik, 87.215. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 87.215_threequarter_PS1.jpg)

Maiden Spirit Helmet Mask (Agbogho Mmwo)

Artist:Igbo

Medium: Wood, pigment, string

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:early 20th century

Dimensions: 19 3/4 x 5 3/4 x 12 in. (50.2 x 14.6 x 30.5 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 87.215

Image: 87.215_threequarter_PS1.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Helmet mask with long narrow face, painted white; narrow protruding sharp nose; slit eyes; open mouth showing teeth; small ears. Arching eyebrows, sides of nose, lips, and rectangular ridged decorarions in center of forehead and in front of each ear are all painted brown. Linear and spiral carving on helmet portion of headdress, also painted brown. Above this is an elaborate openwork construction in brown and white, with a tall central ridge surmounted by discs and cup-like projections, flanked by a double-volute and fretwork form on eac side. The double-volute forms are decorated with incised triangles. CONDITION: A series of small holes borders the face and helmet portion, some remnants of string are threaded through them. Sticky black pieces of tape inside the mask, in back of eyes, mouth, especially at edges. Some areas of possible insect damage. Marks of water damage on forehead.

Brooklyn Museum