Igbo Mask performance/sculpture
A common characteristic of Igbo masks is that they are painted white, the color of the spirit.
(2-5 photos left top to bottom right)
The best known among them are the so-called Maiden Spirit masks (Agboghommwo) which are danced by men at agricultural festivals and funerals of prominent members of the village. Topped by elaborate coiffures, these masks are said to represent the beauty and purity of deceased maidens. Since these masks lack the coiffures, they are of a different type. In spite of its appearance, we believe this mask was carved to be sold.
http://www.hamillgallery.com/IGBO/IgboMasks/IgboMask21.html
(2-5 photos left top to bottom right)
The best known among them are the so-called Maiden Spirit masks (Agboghommwo) which are danced by men at agricultural festivals and funerals of prominent members of the village. Topped by elaborate coiffures, these masks are said to represent the beauty and purity of deceased maidens. Since these masks lack the coiffures, they are of a different type. In spite of its appearance, we believe this mask was carved to be sold.
http://www.hamillgallery.com/IGBO/IgboMasks/IgboMask21.html
The Igbo believe in one creator, Chi and numerous invisible spirits and the founding ancestor, Ale the earth goddess. The Igbo use thousands of masks for cult concerns, initiations, funerals, agrarian festivities and entertainment, which incarnate unspecified spirits of the dead, forming a vast community of souls. Social control is exercised through the use of masks and figures representing good and evil spirits in the Igbo and Ibibio tribes. The outstanding characteristic of the Igbo masks is that they are painted chalk white, the color of the spirit.
http://youtu.be/1xvnjo8xckQ Igbo dance at burial ceremony(doesn't show any masks though) 1:21 min.