MID-CENTURY DESIGN & ECLECTIC VINTAGE DECOR

A superb Igbo Nigeria helmet mask 'Agbogho Mmuo" or Maiden Spirit.

Worn as masqurades during funerals, cleansing rituals, harvest festivals, weddings and other such occasions .

Igbo helmet masks are thought to possess the spirits of dead maidens.

The Agbogho Mmuo helmet masks often depicts an image of a woman with elaborate headdress in rugged colouring of kaolin and other stains. These masks are won in honour of ancestors, women and the earth gods.

This present 'Mmuo' helmet has very interesting carvings.

The overall colour is mainly of natural wood, kaolin, blue, russet and black.

At the top, it has 3 tall striking arched head crests, the centre crest being the tallest with round painted studs.

The other 2 crests have square studs.

All three wheel-like crests are decorated and highlighted in alternating cobalt, russet, kaolin, and black colouring.

The face is white, with the hair black and sleek.

It has a set of small pointy russet ears, its lips are open mid smile, with two exposed rows of teeth carved out from the same piece, all set above a small pointed chin.

Overall, this is a fantastic 'Mmuo', with a rich patina of  age. 

It has a good Aztec/cubist feel. 

Would look good on a wall, or stand.

It can also be placed on a shelf, it is a helmet afterall.