Cassera Ibo Maiden Mask

Ibo Maiden Mask

Ex Native Design Gallery, Seattle 1988

Maiden masks, representations of adolescent females, impersonate Igbo ideals of youthful feminine beauty. In their original context, they were danced by male performers during festivals honoring important patron deities, as well as for entertainment. During performances, they were complemented by vibrantly colored suits and accompanied by a multi-instrumental orchestra. Such dynamic display strongly contrasts with their static presentation in Western collections. Art from Eastern Nigeria seldom entered private collections until later in the twentieth century