2. ELU FACE MASK

Ogoni, Nigeria Wood, pigment, fiber H. 8 in.

Inhabiting the coastal region of Nigeria, the Ogoni have a reputation for their masks used in cultural, religious and political ceremonies. To understand the dynamics of masking in the coastal region of Nigeria, one must make an important analytical shift, away from imposed categories of style and toward locally named and identified genres of masking. Masking genres are evolving. In any given village group, each genre is well defined, but because each group has a unique history; the array of mask types, mask names, and sponsoring associations often vary greatly from one location to another. This complex pattern of change over space and time characterizes the Ogoni. Although similar to the Ibibio in linguistic and cultural practices, the face mask is a unique tradition of the Ogoni. Generally made smaller than the human face, the masks of the Ogoni also attach a cap which forms a part of the costume of the masquerade. Interestingly, these masks are usually worn by lower ranking members of the societies and are used primarily for social purposes.

home | history | commentary | about the curators | links