Skip to main content
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Helmet Mask (Mammy Wata)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Helmet Mask (Mammy Wata)

Artist/Maker (Nigeria)
Date20th century
Mediumwood, paint, plant fiber, iron and hair
DimensionsOverall: 30 1/2 x 12 3/8 x 12 1/4 in. (77.5 x 31.4 x 31.1 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2007.48.44
    DescriptionMammy Wata is a new water spirit inspired by chromolithographs of a Hindu female deity seen in the shops of Indian merchants in the cities. The largely urban cult helps its devotees cope with the displacement and stress of Europeanization and city life.
    On View
    On view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Berenice Abbott
    1937 (printed 1979)
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mortimer Borne
    1937
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Binji people
    ca. 1970
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Kuba people
    early to mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bushoong people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Makonde people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Makonde people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    1810-1840
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mezcala
    ca. 300 BCE-300 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated