Maiden Spirit Mask, Igbo, Nigeria, 19th century Another important function of African art is to honor ancestors or members of the family line who have previously passed away. In African society, even after a member of the family has died, they are still thought to participate in the family and are recognized through rituals. This mask is a maiden spirit mask from the Igbo people of Nigeria. The white pigment informs us that this figure is a spirit because the Igbo, like many traditional African peoples, believe that in the afterlife everything is opposite from the living world: if people in the living world have black skin, spirits in the afterlife have white skin. Masks like this represent beautiful young girls who have died. The shapes on the mask's head form an elaborate hair-do and also represent the hornbill bird (this can be seen when viewing the mask from behind). The hornbill is respected in Igbo culture for its dedication to family life; it is considered a model for human behavior. This mask was used in funerary ceremonies. Even though the mask depicts a female, it would have been worn by a man. The pieces of fabric around the neck of the mask are remnants of a costume. The masker who wore this costume simulate the gait or quick steps of a young woman. He would speak in a feminine, high-pitched voice, encouraging deceased spirits to pass to the afterlife in order that they may become helpful ancestors. PART 2-PAGE 3 OF 9
SLIDE 6
HOW WAS THIS OBJECT USED? WHAT PURPOSE DID IT SERVE?
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