Isoko peoples, Bendel State, Ase village, Nigeria
Mid-20th century
Wood, plant fiber, cowrie shells, pigment, metal
30.5 x 14.8 x 15 cm (12 x 5 13/16 x 5 7/8 in.)
2005-6-83, gift of Walt Disney World Co., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (cat. no. 54)
More/Less Information
The paired animals atop the mask probably honor a major local deity for warfare. Masqueraders wore costumes of feathers and colorful scarves with these masks, which were the focus of a festival that was celebrated each March to cleanse the town before other festivals were held.
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