An Afikpo mask

MMA JI, "KNIFE-YAM"

Details

An Afikpo mask
Mma ji, "knife-yam"
With three cylindrical projections from the oval face, a tall curved horn to the top of the head with old native restoration to the tip, the pierced slit eyes within raised triangles, dark patina with remains of brown and cream pigments, raffia border
13½in. (34cm.) high

Lot Essay

Ottenberg (1975, p.35) illustrates three masqueraders wearing similar masks, which can also be called mma ubi ("knife-farm"), carved to perform in the okumkpa play. He writes: Performed after the Dry Season Festival, the okumkpa is Afikpo theater par excellence. The play sometimes lasts as long as four hours.(p.13).

More from Tribal Art

View All