Artifact Record Details
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Basic Information |
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| Artifact Identification | Igbo Mmwo Society (Agboho Mmwo) Mask (2000.13.0008) | |
| Classification | Communication Artifacts : Ceremonial Artifact : Mask | |
| Visual Description | A large wooden mask. The mask takes the image of a white-faced human visage with black eyebrows, lips and ears. Each of the facial features is bordered in faint blue. Black hair covers the top of the mask, hanging in braided loops on both sides. A tall, blue and white, arched headdress extends upward from the hair. Two downward facing hands appear on either side of the headdress and rest between the braided loops on the sides of the figure's head. | |
| Artist/Maker | None | |
| Geographic Location | Africa, Nigeria | |
| Period/Date | , 20th century | |
| Culture | Igbo | |
| Locality/Archaeological Site | ||
Physical Analysis |
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| Dimension 1 (Height) | 55.3 cm | |
| Dimension 2 (Width) | 29.2 cm | |
| Dimension 3 (Depth) | 28.3 cm | |
| Weight | 2399 g | |
| Measuring Remarks | Measured with fringe extended naturally. Measurements already taken, weight includes stand. | |
| Materials | Pigment--Paint, Wood | |
| Manufacturing Processes | Carving, Painting | |
| Munsell Color Information | N/A | |
Research Remarks |
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| Published Description | N/A | |
| Scholarly Notes | This mask would be worn with a large textile costume. Lynn and Mike Noel, 6/21/2004 This artifact is made from wood and kaolin with Rickett's blue paint. This mask is also known as a Maiden Spirit Mask, although it was danced by males. The mask is somewhat atypical because the eye and eyebrow style suggests a Japanese No mask. The coiffure is typical of the elaborate coiffures in this area of Igboland. Hair setting would require days during which the woman would have to sleep with her head elevated by a neck rest. - per Richard J. Faletti, 8/16/2000 | |
| Comparanda | See: Three Rivers Nigeria, (Arnett Collection) #35, 38 Ekpo Eyo, 2,000 Years Nigerian Art, p. 202 | |
| Bibliography | N/A | |
Artifact History |
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| Archaeological Data | N/A | |
| Credit Line/Dedication | Richard and Barbara Faletti Family Collection | |
| Reproduction | No | |
| Reproduction Information | N/A | |