Accession NumberTC2008.1
TitleMask
Artist(s)MambilaArtist NationalityMambila (culture or style)Object Creation DateLate 20th centuryMedium & Supportwood and pigmentDimensions 15 in x 10 in x 15 in (38.1 cm x 25.4 cm x 38.1 cm)
Credit LineBequest of the Estate of Pamela Anne SeeversSubject matterHuman and animal features come together in masks for Mambila men's
sùàgà masquerade to celebrate male fertility.
Sùàgà can best be described as a set of related masquerades and oaths performed in part to resolve local disputes. While both aspects are important, the imagery of the masks reinforce the ideas seen in the oaths. Men's
sùàgà has carved masks worn horizontally on the head, sometimes accompanied by fiber costumes. Although different masks are given different names, some are called
sùàgà due and
sùàgà bur. While it is not clear what kind of animal is portrayed here, similar masks have been described as depicting a crow.
References Cited:
Gebauer, Paul. 1979.
Art of Cameroon. Portland, Or.: Portland Art Museum.
Zeitlyn, David. 1994. "Mambila Figurines and Masquerades: Problems of Interpretation."
African Arts, Vol. 27, No. 4, pp. 38-47+94.
Physical DescriptionA wooden mask with zoomorphic features. The mouth is in the form of open, elongated lips. The eyes are formed by white triangular projections with small central knobs. Behind the eyes, at the back of the head, are two pointed projections that curve slightly inward.
Primary Object Classification Sculpture Primary Object TypemaskCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf 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
fertility
masquerades
men (male humans)
oaths