Object Details
- Label Text
- This figure represents a water spirit, as do all Ijo masquerade crest masks. His top hat, a popular trade item introduced in the 19th century, has been totally integrated as a local emblem of rank and is still worn by high status males.
- Description
- Wood crest mask composed of an armless torso on a cap base with a top hat. Cylinder and stylized bird (?) form lower part of the body, with a cane like fiber looped through holes in the cap base. Figure has overall dark pigmentation, lighter on the "wings" of the bird at the figure's waist.
- Provenance
- Ernst Anspach, New York, -- to 1976
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Ijo artist
- Date
- Early-mid 20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Ernst Anspach
- Medium
- Wood, pigment, plant fiber
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 56.5 x 15.6 x 15.6 cm (22 1/4 x 6 1/8 x 6 1/8 in.)
- Type
- Mask
