Igbo Face Mask (Agbogho Mmuo)

3D ModelNoAI

Nigeria

mid-20th century

Wood, pigment and cotton

13 1/2 x 8 1/8 x 8 in. (34.3 x 20.6 x 20.3 cm)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bell, 75.015.011

The Agbogho Mmuo or “maiden spirit” masks are made by the Igbo people of Southern Nigeria. These masks celebrate female beauty and femininity, but are only worn by men. During the ceremony, the men imitate the graceful gestures and movement of women while music plays and others sing. The Agbogho Mmuo pays tribute to girls past and present and is danced for agricultural rituals and during funerals of prominent members of the masking society.