MUMUYE HELMET MASK, Nigeria -- UNIQUE & VINTAGE

Description

Liquidating my African Mask Collection I created while working as a Refugee Officer traveling in Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda and so forth.
MUMUYE HELMET MASK, NIGERIA  (Rooster figure)
The Mumuye are from northeastern Nigeria near the cities of Jalingo and Zinna in a region that is bounded by the bend of the Benue River and the Cameroon border. They number about 200,000 and
lived in isolation until 1959
. The Mumuye live in small family groups called Dola’s with a village chief and a council of elders farming sorghum, millet and yams.
Masks of the Benue River area are typically abstract and schematic as the example above, a “female” mask. Its large orb, round eyes, grooved hairstyle (like a Rooster comb) and vertical slit mouth are typical of Mumuye female masks. The highly abstracted figures invoke forms of human and supernatural authority. The Vabong Secret Society regulates Mumuye religious life. Entry into the society is achieved through initiation ceremonies. The initiation of boys begins at the age of ten and takes place in a Tsafi hut, where the statues are kept.  During this ceremony, masks representing both male and female spirits were brought out and the initiates performed ceremonial whipping.
Even though the Mumuye show great respect for the sculls of the ancestors their masks depict personified guardian spirits. The masks reinforce the status and prestige of their owner and ensures his personal protection. Masks were used to diagnose and cure ill health and other misfortunes by both diviners and healers such as Rainmaker's, home guardians, confidants, Elder status and in trials.
Features
:
Dimensions
: 10x4x4”
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20th-Century creation
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10 Inches Long
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For use as wall décor or rituals
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4 Inches Wide
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Features a rustic, bold finish
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4 Inches Deep
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Hand-crafted item
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5 oz weight
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Made in Nigeria
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Excellent  Condition