Arts of Africa - Mama Bush Cow - Spirit Mask - Nigeria

Description: This mask with large joined horns is identified as a Mama bush Cow mask. Similar masks are also found among he Chamba people. Remnants of whitish and reddish pigment can be seen on the surface. Danced by the Mama and the Chamba of northern Nigeria this type of mask is known as mangam and is a powerful symbol among them. Identified as a bush cow, this mask represents more likely wild spirits of the bush with all of their power and potential and as a result the mask is linked to dangerous forces. Another description of the mask among the Chamba is that it represents a Chamba queen whose lineage claims descent from the forest buffalo.. The rounded dome of the mask symbolically depicts the idea of death, for it depicts a skull, a relic taken from the grave of an elder. Other features are related to the wilderness are the jaws of the crocodile, while the horns are those of the forest buffalo. Masks such as this are painted red, representing maleness or black indicating the female. The red and black colors make reference to blood and to the powers of witchcraft that women possess.

Price: 275 USD

Location: Brooklyn, New York

End Time: 2025-01-19T09:47:20.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD