Details

Title

Water Spirit Headdress

Artist/Maker

Ijo, Abua, or Ekpeye Artist, Nigeria

Date

Twentieth century

Medium

Polychrome wood and mirrors

Dimensions

80 1/4 inches

Credit

Purchase with funds from Fred and Rita Richman

Accession #

2007.115

On View

Currently not on view

In the Niger Delta region of coastal Nigeria, masquerade performances honor water spirits thought to be helpful, kind, and beautiful. These aquatic spirits reside in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. They are most abundant along the coast, where trade flourished and traditions were influenced heavily by the influx of foreign cultures, especially European. Water spirits are considered to be much more amiable to humans than their terrestrial counterparts—playful and mischievous rather than intimidating. Masquerade performances imitate water spirits cavorting on floats and skimming across the surface of the water. In contrast to the darker colors representative of land spirits thought to be dangerous, the white color of this mask is associated with peace, purity, and longevity. Its composite form combines crocodile teeth and the fins and tail of a large fish, decorated with mirrors and yellow pigment.

Browse Related Artwork

Billy and Minzly
Billy and Minzly

Rahim Fortune

Tire Shop
Tire Shop

Rahim Fortune

Male figure
Male figure

Lobi Artist, Ivory Coast

Studio (0X5A8180), 2021
Studio (0X5A8180), 2021

Paul Mpagi Sepuya

(not entered)
(not entered)

East African Artist

Male figure
Male figure

Luluwa Artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo