African Arts Gallery

There are different variations of these African helmet-type masks from the region of the banks of the Benoué. The groups living there, probably having the Akopo as common ancestors, resorted to frequent exchanges and loans. This example of African art is similar to the models used during the great royal igala masquerades. Established near the Niger estuary, speaking a Kwa language, the Igala formed a powerful kingdom until colonization which marked its decline with the ban on festivals and the suicide of the king or ata. Human sacrifices once accompanied these ritual festivals, giving these people the reputation of headhunters. The Igala wear large helmet masks called agba during ceremonies that honor their king. Other types of helmet masks come out during egu cult festivals celebrating the spirit of the dead and for yam festivals. Erosions. Ref. : “The Tribal Art of Black Africa” ed. Assouline and “Arts of Nigeria” ed. Barbier-Mueller Museum.