Accession Number
2001/2.30

Title
Mask

Artist(s)
Ogoni

Artist Nationality
Ogoni

Object Creation Date
late 20th century

Medium & Support
wood and metal

Dimensions
14 15/16 in x 5 15/16 in x 3 9/16 in (38 cm x 15 cm x 9 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Margaret H. and Albert J. Coudron

Subject matter
One of the most well-known masks created by the Obgoni peoples is that called Karikpo, which usually represents wild or domestic animals, such as antelope, deer, goats, dogs, or sheep. Worn on the front of the face, the karikpo is performed for recreational or entertainment purposes in recent years, but in the past it was used in connection with the planting and harvesting seasons as a way to ensure fertility. Performers display acts of agility such as flips, cartwheels, and jumps, especially difficult when some masks have antlers up to three feet  tall. 

References Cited: 
Anderson, Martha G. and Philip M. Peek, eds. 2002. Ways of the Rivers: Arts and Environment of the Niger Delta. Los Angleles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History. 

Physical Description
Wooden mask in a triangular shape with rounded edges. There are two almond-shaped holes for eyes and spiral horns protrude from the top of the mask. There are traces of red pigment below the eyes and white pigment outlines the center of the mask.

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
Animals
acrobatics
agriculture
antelopes
ceremonial masks
festivals
masks
masquerades