Mask African Wood Polychrome Igbo Nigeria Abogho Mwo Africa Mask Xixè

Description

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Rare African mask called "Agbogho Mwo" in carved polychrome wood and fabric, representing the face of a young woman, Igbo Nigeria origin, XIXth century.
This mask is in good condition, in its own juice, it is of exceptional quality. It was brought back by an officer of the French army at the beginning of the 20th century.
A note: some accidents, cracks and gaps on the triple cap, some old worm holes, lack of polychromy especially on the face, the polychromy of the face is fragile, wear of time,
take a good look at the photos.
* Agbogho Mmwo Mask:
Mask representing the spirit of a young girl; its shape, physiological features, scarifications, decorations on the face and intricate hairstyle are all characteristic elements of ideal female beauty among igbos. The young men of the society of "mmwo spirits" wore these masks during the initiation ceremony of young girls, to instruct and educate the young not only in moral conduct but also in the canons of physical beauty, which in reality translate the ethics of the person. So too, the size, a correct posture, a fine and straight nose, a small mouth symbolize generosity, purity, obedience and good character. These dances also took place during the harvest and during the dry season, for the feast of the goddess of the Earth in the hope of a rich and bountiful harvest. (See Vatican Museums website)
Width
: 18 cm
Length
: 52 cm
Depth
: with cap 34 cm
Reference:
800 92
Mask representing the spirit of a young girl; its shape, physiological features, scarifications, decorations on the face and intricate hairstyle are all characteristic elements of ideal female beauty among igbos. The young men of the society of "mmwo spirits" wore these masks during the initiation ceremony of young girls, to instruct and educate the young not only in moral conduct but also in the canons of physical beauty, which in reality translate the ethics of the person. So too, the size, a correct posture, a fine and straight nose, a small mouth symbolize generosity, purity, obedience and good character. These dances also took place during the harvest and during the dry season, for the feast of the goddess of the Earth in the hope of a rich and bountiful harvest. (See Vatican Museums