FILTER RESULTS
by Artist
by Artist
by Century
by Country
by Object Type
Face Mask with Hinged Jaw (Elu)
7 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 4 5/8 in. (19.1 x 12.1 x 11.7 cm)Ogoni artist
Nigeria
Ogoni; made in Nigeria
Object Type:
Sculpture
Medium and Support:
Wood, pigment and fiber
Credit Line:
Marion Stratton Gould Fund
Accession Number:
1972.53
Location: Currently on view
The white face of this Ogoni mask is associated with the youthfulness of benevolent spirits. As positive forces, elu are entertainers and are performed by young men on multiple occasions throughout the year. These unusually small masks perch on the front of the dancer’s face attached to a woven head piece. The mask is further animated when the dancer, clenching in his teeth a stick attached to its back, opens and closes the hinged jaw.
The bowler hat is typical of this type of mask, as elu often depict hairstyles and fashions current at the time. In the early 20th century when this mask was carved, the Ogoni were involved in trading palm oil (for cooking) and gained exposure to this European style. These bowler hats became desirable prestige items for the Ogoni.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
The bowler hat is typical of this type of mask, as elu often depict hairstyles and fashions current at the time. In the early 20th century when this mask was carved, the Ogoni were involved in trading palm oil (for cooking) and gained exposure to this European style. These bowler hats became desirable prestige items for the Ogoni.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
Provenance
Schuman Gallery, Rochester; purchased from them by the Gallery in 1972
Keywords
Click a term to view the records with the same keyword
Additional Images
Click an image to view a larger version
Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- Article Scope: Reproduction only. Susan Dodge Peters, ed. Memorial Art Gallery: An Introduction to the Collection. New York, New York: Memorial Art Gallery in association with Hudson Hills Press, 1988.
- Memorial Art Gallery. ARTiculate. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery, 2000--.
Portfolio List
Click a portfolio name to view all the objects in that portfolio
This object is a member of the following portfolios: