8. MASK (Ogbodo Enyi)

Igbo, Nigeria Wood, pigments L. 22in.

Since 1975, Ogbodo Enyi is a mask worn only by women in Igboland and is a feature of the only known tradition of masquerading by women in Nigerian societies. Because of the mysterious death of children attributed to unspecified "evil spirits," women began to organize their own Ogbodo Enyi masking tradition on the instructions of Uke, the community oracle. The masquerade comes out once or twice a year or on special occasions such as the funeral of a titled woman. It unites women and serves as a celebration of their social identity and contributions in the society. Prior to 1975, however, the mask was worn by men. Playing an important role in the socialization process, the mask was used by young boys at the junior level to signify a manifesto for cooperation and healthy competition, and by the community elders at the senior level to help mobilize the various social groups in the community for public service. Literally meaning "spirit elephant," the maskÕs primary form features the two elephant tusks at one end and a humanÕs head at the other. Interestingly, the primary activity involving Ogbodo Enyi occurs during the dry season festivals, which are meant to cleanse and rejuvenate the community.

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