African Arts Gallery

Jukun Mask (N° 24072)

Listed under the name Augum, Algum or Aluku, this African mask has zoomorphic characteristics, bulging pupils and pointed growths in the guise of a mustache. The surface is painted with large dark bands contrasting with an ocher brown patina. Satin patina, cracks.

With the expansion of the old Jukun empire, the Jukun or Wurbo of Nigeria scattered into two groups: one established south of the Donga, and the second in the north of the region, near the Mumuye and the Wurkum. The Southern Jukun have a tradition of masks, including the male mask akuma linked to the cult of the same name and of which four types have been listed by A.Rubin. They are often endowed with horns evoking the ram or the antelope, in connection with the cult Akuma. Statues are rare, and are of the mam cult prevalent in eastern Nigeria. (Art of the Upper Benue River, C.Evers, and African Art, Kerchache)