An Elegant Mama / Kantana Buffalo Helmet Mask – Mangam – Nigeria

Wood cm. 67,0 high (26.38″); grams 1.138,0 (40.14 oz.). Stand included.

Half-spherical calotte with crested forehead ridge and funnel-shaped protruding mouth, crowned by elolongated slightly curved horns, pierced around the rim, incl. stand. The present mask was worn at “kambon” masquerades of the “udawaru” society for sacrificial and burial rites.

These headdresses, or horizontal helmet masks, are abstract representations of the bushcow and emphasize aggressive power. They are worn with a costume of raffia vinifera palm fibers.

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