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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Face Mask (Akuma)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Face Mask (Akuma)

Artist/Maker (Nigeria)
Datenot dated
Mediumwood and stain
DimensionsOverall: 26 3/8 x 12 3/4 x 8 1/8 in. (67 x 32.4 x 20.6 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2012.2.26
    DescriptionThe Jukun are best known for being the only ethnic group in the Benue River area to have formed a centralized state in the seventeenth century. Akuma cult masks are found in pairs with the male masks made of wood and the female masks of netted fiber. The male Akuma mask is worn at an angle above the top of the dancer's head. It seems to be a part of a very widespread West African tradition of using horizontal, horned masks in an anti-witchcraft capacity. In addition, for the Jukun, Akuma masks are used in connection with harvest celebrations. An unusual feature of this mask is its third horn; most Akuma masks only have two.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Baulé people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lwalu people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lambayeque-Sicán
    800-1350
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ibibio people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ejagham people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lula people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamana people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE