African Arts Gallery

Idoma mask (N° 22809)

Mask carved from dense wood, in the shape of a bell with thick walls. The relief motifs inscribed on the temples are characteristic of the groups of the Cross River, and of the northeast of the Igbo country. Different influences blend however, like the parallel marks that distinguish the Yoruba style. These masks were used to control the social order. Similar piece in "African Art" ed. Mazenod (p.406, pl. 488).

Thick crusty patina, erosions, minimal cracks.
The Idoma settled at the confluence of the Bénué and the Niger. Numbering 500,000, they are made up of farmers and traders. The neighborhood and therefore the influences of the Igbo, those of the ethnic groups of the Cross River and Igala have generated stylistic borrowings. Royal lineage members of their oglinye society, glorifying courage, wear masks and crests during funerals and festivities. They also produce fertility statues with bleached faces and showing incised teeth. Janiform crests are generally exhibited at the funerals of notables. Members of the male Kwompten society, on the other hand, used statues named goemai as part of healing rituals.