Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Igbo, Oya Onu Face Mask |
Year Range from |
1890 |
Year Range to |
1930 |
Medium |
Wood with pigments and use patina |
Dimensions |
H-17.5 W-7 D-5.5 inches |
Accession Number |
2022.3 |
Department |
African |
Description |
Of highly abstracted form, the mask with five inverted conical devices above a rounded brow, the nasal ridge with small striations, the yes diamond shaped, the nose long and thin, the mouth highly stylized as a snout with a rounded 'lip-shaped' carving above. The whole with heavy encrustation of reddish material, likely camwood powder, in dense layers. A superb and highly aged example. Mask mounted on metal stand. Age: Late 19th or Early Twentieth 20th This very old and beautifully sculpted face mask is known as Oya Onu (mouth flute) and is often worn by a "light-hearted acrobatic young male teenager who entertains" (Personal Communication from Herbert M. Cole to Pascal James Imperato, 8 July, 2020 and Igbo Arts. Community and Cosmos, p. 118). |
Credit line |
Dr. and Mrs. Pascal James Imperato |
Search Terms |
1900s 20th Century Abstract Africa: Sub-Saharan Diversity African Ceremonial Object Earth Tones Face Igbo Nigeria Eastern Nigeria Pya Onu Mali Mask Organic Material Pigment Ritual Zoomorphic |