Igbo mask Nigeria Wood and pigments H. 40 cm Igbo... Lot 10

Igbo mask Nigeria Wood and pigments H. 40 cm Igbo mask, Nigeria H. 15 ¾ in This so-called agbogho mmwo mask represents the spirit of a young girl. Worn by members of the mmwo society, these are used during initiation ceremonies dedicated to young girls. The elaborate hairstyle, scarification marks and facial expression (with its straight, thin nose, hemmed mouth and large eyes) evoke an image of ideal feminine beauty, towards which initiates must strive. Mask wearers also strive to demonstrate, through their gestures, the appropriate attitude to adopt.