Igbo Mask
I have an authentic Ibgo Mask. I have no other details to provide. This is why I am readout to you in prayer that you may be able to assist me with some more details and information, as well as an approximate appraisal. 🙏🏿👏🏾☺️
Uncertain
Hand-me-down from generations
Inherited
Maybe
Dear Inez,
Thank you for choosing Mearto with your online appraisal.
Based on the available information and the images, this item is:
An Ibo (or Igbo) Nigeria helmet-mask called ‘agbogho mmwo’. It depicts the spirit of a beautiful girl. A ‘classical’ mask type from the Ibo, in the south-east of Nigeria.
These ‘agbogho mmwo’ masks are used in dances by young men in tight, colourful costumes during harvest festivals and at ceremonies in honour of ancestors, women and the earth gods.
The face is coloured in white with kaolin. Discoloured in patches due to age-related, numerous applications of kaolin. In African art, faces coloured in white with kaolin often signify that this mask creature is actually ‘dead’ – a forefather or ancestor, as it were – and only now is ‘visiting from the afterlife’.
Good condition.
Retail prices may vary.
