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Ekine Masquerade Headdress for Water Spirits

Ekine Masquerade Headdress for Water Spirits

Unknown

The abstract, tubular eyes evoke the all-seeing water spirits while the facial scarifications and mouth suggest humanity. The birds gathered on top carry messages between spirits and humans.
Artist
Unknown (Nigerian, Ijo People)
Title
Ekine Masquerade Headdress for Water Spirits
Date
mid-20th century
Medium
Wood, pigment, and metal
Dimensions
21 1/2 H x 8 1/2 diam. in. Overall
Credit
Gift of Michael Oliver, Class of 1966
Accession No.
2001.6
Classification
Sculpture
Geography
Nigeria

Related

Unknown date, with Martin Lerner (New York City, New York); 2001, gifted by Michael Oliver (New York City, New York) to the Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art]

  • Exhibition gallery guide, "Revealing Forms: African Art from the Elvehjem Collection." 2002.
  • Drewal, Henry John. "African Art at the Elvehjem." Bulletin/Biennial Report 2001-2003. Elvehjem Museum of Art (2003): 16-36. pp. 16-36
  • Elvehjem Museum of Art. "Bulletin/Biennial Report 1999-2001." Madison: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 2002. p. 77

  • Revealing Forms: African Art from the Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 4/20/2002–6/16/2002

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