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Okoroshi mask

Okoroshi mask

MediumWood with red, black, and white pigments
Dimensions9 1/8 x 6 inches (23.2 x 15.2 cm)
CultureIgbo (Nigeria)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of William W. Brill
Terms
  • Nigeria
  • Costume
  • black and white pigments
  • Ceremonial dancing
  • Igbo
Object number89.015.011
Label CopyBRIEF DESCRIPTION This mask is danced in the okoroshi masquerade, usually performed at the beginning of the rainy season in Nigeria. WHERE WAS IT MADE? This mask was made in Nigeria, in an Igbo community. The Igbo people, also known as the Ibo people, originate from southeast Nigeria, originally being divided by further cultural sub-groups. Agriculture was and still remains a chief tenant of the Ibo culture. HOW WAS IT MADE? All Igbo masks are carved by men who gain status in the community for their skills and are encouraged to innovate on typical mask forms (within a certain range). Consequently, many masks of the same type illustrate a variety of differing features and artistic styles. Today, many Igbo villages have ceased to commission sculpted wood masks and have switched to using a cane structure covered with cloth and ornamentations. HOW WAS IT USED? Igbo peoples traditionally perform this mask at the onset of the rainy season. Because this season is associated with both human and agricultural productivity, the masquerade features male and female characters. Igbo men perform both male and female roles, though younger men tend to dance the male characters; the cumbersome male masks require more physical strength to perform and the male characters call for more obnoxious behavior – a suitable role for young men. WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS? The Okoroshi masquerade consists of many masks that fall into one of two categories that can be broadly termed “beauty” and “beast.” Symmetrical, light, and delicate masks such as the one seen here are understood to be benign. These bright, female masks are associated with white clouds and thus danced on sunny days. By contrast, dark, asymmetrical – even ugly – masks may be performed on any day due to their aggressive or dominant nature. The white pigment applied to the female masks does not signify race; light-skinned Igbo women are not considered to be inherently more beautiful than those with darker skin. The complete masquerade costume that accompanies this mask consists entirely of white clothing: cape, shirt, short trousers and socks. Tied to his waist, the Okoroshi masker wears several large bells. These function as the Okoroshi’s “voice.” The masker may only hum along with the clanging bells; he may never speak. Much about this Okoroshi mask would be understood to be beautiful and civilized: notice the symmetrical face, high eyebrows, straight teeth, and a neat coiffure. Look at the small round designs in front of the ears—these represent body stamps. Igbo women embellish their bodies with stamped patterns created by dipping a carved wood stamp into natural pigment. These designs may have had special significance at one time, but have long since lost any particular meaning.
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