IDOMA, NIGERIA
WOOD,PIGMENT, HEIGHT 30CM

This mask comes from the tiny village of Ogpoto. The Idoma are closely related to the more powerful Igbo and the masks share similarities like the white painted face. This mask is a link between the living and the spiritual forces. It was also used to commemorate the passing of a community member into the spiritual realm. There are number of small holes visible around the face which were used to attach the mask to the very colourful and decorative garments which covered the performer completely.