female mask for Okoroshi masquerade
female mask for Okoroshi masquerade
Culture
Igbo people
Creation date
mid-20th century
Materials
wood, pigment
Dimensions
10 1/2 x 7 3/4 x 4 1/4 in.
Credit line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Accession number
1989.857
Collection
Currently On View In
Eiteljorg Suite of African and Oceanic Art
The Okorosia masquerade honors the god Owu. The masquerade consists of over forty different characters who perform daily for almost a month. The characters usually fall into two categories, the good or beautiful spirits, and the bad or ugly spirits. Masks of the first category are white-faced and delicately featured, such as this example; while bad or ugly spirit masks are blackened with distorted forms and animal features.













