African Helmet Igbo Double Faced Maiden Headdress Nigeria Handmade Secret Society Spirit Female Beauty Mask

Shipping to United States: $45.00
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This is a breathtaking Old Igbo Double Faced Maiden Spirit Helmet Mask from Southern Nigeria. Igbo masks can be made of wood, fabric, iron or vegetation and have various uses, mainly in social satires, religious rituals, secret society initiations. A common characteristic of Igbo masks is that they are painted white, the color of the spirit. The best known among them are the Agbogho mmwo, or "maiden spirit," masks that are worn by men at festivals that honor important deities. They represent the Igbo ideal of female beauty: small, balanced features, elaborate hairstyles, and delicate tattoos. The men who dance these masks wear colorful, tight-fitting fiber costumes, entertaining the crowd with exaggerated versions of women's dances. The Maiden Mask is a hollowed helmet-like form, with stylized facial features including a pierced, diamond-shaped mouth beneath the sharp nose bisecting the slit eyes and decorated with linear and circular scarification, the whole surmounted by a complex openwork coiffure comprised of three arching bands punctuated by circular and cylindrical motifs; varied aged surface with areas of red, white, black and blue pigment. These masks are danced by prominent male members of the village. Topped by elaborate coiffures, these masks are said to represent the beauty and purity of deceased maidens. Worn each year for 'The Fame of Maidens' ceremony, it is intended to instruct youths in attitudes necessary for moral as well as physical beauty. Physically, height and litheness, good posture, a straight nose and small mouth are all ideals. These traits are physical and moral ideals of purity, obedience, good character and generosity. This a an exceptional Igbo Maiden Helmet Mask, museum quality and will be a significant addition to your collection.

COMES ON STAND

This Helmet shows age, discoloration, missing patina, but overall in good condition.

Late 20th Century

Mask on Stand
34" tall

Mask
21" tall

18" wide Face to Face

7" deep

8" face length
6 1/2" wide face

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