Ijo peoples, Nigeria
Mid-20th century
Wood, pigment, iron, plant fiber
101.6 x 17.1 x 12.7 cm (40 x 6 3/4 x 5 in.)
2005-6-137, gift of Walt Disney World Co., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (cat. no. 57)
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This mask of a water spirit combines a skull-like human head with a crocodile's snout and a fish's tail. When performed at annual festivals, it is worn horizontally on top of the dancer's head, it's imagery facing the sky alluding to the spirits' view from their underwater abode. Water spirits are associated with positive aspects of change, new objects, new wealth and new ideas.
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