Photographs © Hamill Gallery
IGBO STYLE
Okoroshi Oma Mask 42
13" high x 8.5" wide x 5" deep
$300
In spite of its appearance, we believe this mask was made to be sold. The outer white paint layer is fragile and most of it has flaked off. The inner white layer is chalky but intact.
Igbo Okoroshi masks are earthly manifestations of the Owu waterspirit cult, worn during the six week rainy season. Okoroshi Oma are white-faced, pretty and represent women. Okoroshi Ojo are black, ugly and male. Together they represent the dualities of good/evil, female/male, white clouds/dark rain clouds, beauty/distortion, delicate features/large misshapen features, village/wilderness,order/chaos, clarity/mystery.
Igbo, by Herbert Cole.
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