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Old Igbo Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo Masquerade
About the Item
A superb Igbo Nigeria helmet mask 'Agbogho Mmuo" or Maiden Spirit.
Worn as masqurades during funerals, cleansing rituals, harvest festivals, weddings and other such occasions .
Igbo helmet masks are thought to possess the spirits of dead maidens.
The Agbogho Mmuo helmet masks often depicts an image of a woman with elaborate headdress in rugged colouring of kaolin and other stains. These masks are won in honour of ancestors, women and the earth gods.
This present 'Mmuo' helmet has very interesting carvings.
The overall colour is mainly of natural wood, kaolin, blue, russet and black.
At the top, it has 3 tall striking arched head crests, the centre crest being the tallest with round painted studs.
The other 2 crests have square studs.
All three wheel-like crests are decorated and highlighted in alternating cobalt, russet, kaolin, and black colouring.
The face is white, with the hair black and sleek.
It has a set of small pointy russet ears, its lips are open mid smile, with two exposed rows of teeth carved out from the same piece, all set above a small pointed chin.
Overall, this is a fantastic 'Mmuo', with a rich patina of age.
It has a good Aztec/cubist feel.
Would look good on a wall, or stand.
It can also be placed on a shelf, it is a helmet afterall.
- Dimensions:Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Width: 11.82 in (30 cm)Depth: 9.85 in (25 cm)
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1930s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Torquay, GB
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Torquay, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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