Accession Number
1978/2.14

Title
Mask

Artist(s)
Igbo

Artist Nationality
Igbo (Southern Nigerian style, culture)

Object Creation Date
1900-1978

Medium & Support
pigment, metal and monkey fur

Dimensions
26 in x 17 5/16 in x 14 9/16 in (66 cm x 44 cm x 37 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Weston

Subject matter
This fierce-looking mask has a fitting name, called mgbedike by Igbo peoples, meaning 'the time of power' or the 'time of the brave'. Used most often in the north-central region of Igbo peoples, these masks are usually three to five times the size of a human head, topped by a superstructure of horns, spikes, or knives. Many also have pointed teeth. Their dark color and motifs demonstrate the chaos and power of the wilderness, found in the strength of wild animals, the ambiguous power of spirits and herbal medicines, and in the authority of elders, ancestors, sorcerers, and doctors. As these masks were associated with danger and fear, powerful middle-aged men were often the ones to wear them. 

References Cited: 
Cole, Herbert M. 2013. Visions of Africa: Igbo. Milan: 5 Continents Editions. 

Physical Description
Wooden mask with a superstructure of curling horns with blue pigment. The face of the mask is white and the mouth is open with pointed teeth. Attached below the mouth is a panel of fur, possibly monkey fur. The forehead is dark in color while there is blue pigment above each eye. On each side of the head are possible animal figures or horns, while atop the forehead sits another set of horns or hairstyle that points downward, carved with a spiral design. 

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
mask

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
ceremonial costume
chaos
masquerades
men (male humans)
night
power
spirits (beings)
ugliness
wilderness