Water spirit mask
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 155
92nd Tribal Art AuctionWater spirit mask
Nigeria, Niger Delta, Ijaw
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
Wolfgang Nerlich, Munich, Germany | H: 28.7 inch | This object is not available anymore. |
wood, white and red paint, rattan, base
This water spirit headdress was used in the masquerades of the "ekine" men's society. It is claimed that these performances imitate dances of the water spirits themselves, and the masks sometimes exit or enter from the water.
All water spirit masks combine human features with the characteristics of aquatic animals. Usually these are fins, fishtails or crocodile snouts. In this case, however, the mask is originally carved with the bow and stern of a canoe.