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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Double-faced Helmet Mask
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.

Double-faced Helmet Mask

Artist/Maker (Nigeria)
Date20th century
Mediumwood, hide and pigment
DimensionsOverall: 16 1/4 x 12 7/8 x 10 5/8 in. (41.3 x 32.7 x 27 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
    Object number92.0020
    DescriptionThe Cross River region of Nigeria is famous for skin-covered masks in several different forms generally associated with Ekpe, a graded men's society that serves as the effective government in the otherwise leaderless villages throughout this heavily forested area. A double-faced helmet mask such as this is the type usually worn by members of the highest ranking grade of Ekpe. The bulging foreheads and aquiline noses of the two faces suggest that the origin of this mask is the upper bend of the Cross River, not far from the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Ejagham is the most comprehensive name for the people in this area, but individuals prefer to identify themselves with their village or clan. Ekpe does not unify the region; rather, each village has its own cult house and its own set of masks. The dark, painted face is male, and the light face with typical painted facial patterns is female. The holes on the top of the helmet probably held small wooden pegs carved to simulate a hairstyle associated with women. However, the shape of the upper portion of the mask suggests a form of fur cap worn by men. The theme of duality conveys spiritual completeness and possibly the ability to see into the past and the future. The mask is not recognized as representing a particular spirit, but is recognized as a symbol of the corporate group Ekpe and of the powers of its leaders.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    late 19th to early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ejagham people
    ca. 1940
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Baulé people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jukun people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dogon 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
    Baga people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    early 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lula people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ibibio people
    not dated