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Possibly Efik peoples, lower Cross River region, Calabar area, Nigeria
Early 20th century
Wood, skin, plant fiber, bone, dye
41.9 x 83.8 x 21.9 cm (16 1/2 x 33 in x 8 5/8 in.)
2005-6-1, gift of Walt Disney World Co., a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (cat. no. 76)
More/Less Information
Skin-covered masks in Africa are found only in southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon. Historical evidence suggests that the peoples of this region regard skin as a substance associated with the spirits of the dead and their animal counterparts. The facial features are realistically portrayed. The spiral horns are similar to the hairstyles worn by girls during a ceremony marking the end of their seclusion prior to marriage.
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