Yam festival mask

Igbo people, Afikpo District, Eastern Nigeria

13 inches, wood with kaolin pigment

Called the Mma ji, the name is derived from the hatchet used at the yam cutting, and the peg-like projections may represent teeth. This mask was used at the beginning of the dry season. It has three cylindrical projections, believed to represent teeth, and a blade thrusting upward from the forehead which represent the hatchet. Treated in a wholly abstract manner and sometimes painted in red, white and black colors, these masks are worn at the harvest festival by young men after the initiation ceremony.

This especially beautiful example retains much of its original pigment, as well as a fine, old patina. Mask is of two separate pieces joined with home-made wire fastening. Appears to be old and used.