Janus-faced helmet mask

Janus-faced helmet mask
Culture
Cross River
Creation date
Materials
wood, skin, pigment, iron, cloth, fiber
Dimensions
H: 17 3/8 inches (excluding cloth)
Credit line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Accession number
1989.883
Currently On View In
Eiteljorg Suite of African and Oceanic Art

This mask functions within a warrior association, which in the past accepted only men who had killed a man or a ferocious animal. The faces probably represent a male and a female. The lighter face has more delicate features than the other and displays tattoos that are derived from Nsibidi. Nsibidi is a system of visual communication using signs and symbols, which may appear on masks, textiles and the body, Nsibidi documents important events and relates stories.

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