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ZOOMORPHIC MASK Ogbodo Enyi
Culture Izi, Nigeria
First half of the 20th century
Wood and pigments
H .: 46.5; L .: 26; Thickness: 31.5 cm
(old slot)
Zoomorphic wooden crest mask depicting an animal with a pair of long teeth and accompanied on the top by an anthropomorphic figure called Ntekpé. It is fully pigmented in black and white, colors arranged in a geometric fashion.
This mask refers to the spirituality of the elephant. Indeed, Ogbodo means "spirit" while Enyir refers to the large mammal. The two lower protuberances would refer to its defenses. These dance masks were worn as a crest on the top of the head and had a role of social mediator.
Ref: SD7BP334VL