Helmet crest (Ogbodo enyi) Igbo mask

[wpsgallery]

S O L D

Helmet crest (Ogbodo enyi) Igbo mask

wood, painted black and white with red accents. This mask represent elephant spirit (ogbodo enyi) and can be found in the northeastern Igbo. There it is use by the Ikwo, Ezzi and Izzi people. These type of masks are supervised by five age ranks, the member of the highest rank owning the largest one.

The front of our example consists of an elephant head, with conical eyes, two short tusks and open mouth. The back of the mask has a human head projecting from a diamond-shaped field.

Helmet crest (Ogbodo enyi) Igbo mask, mid 20^th century

Wood, painted black and white with red accents

Nigeria