agbogho mmuo mask, unrecorded Onitsha artist

Exhibition Label:
"Corpus," Apr-2012, Kris Ercums
The features of maiden masks with elaborate crests, small fine facial features, and pure white skin are exaggerations of Igbo-idealized feminine beauty. Music draws spectators to the dance where they are joined by the maiden mother spirit and her daughters. Each daughter stretches flirtatiously, dancing with slow, fluid movements. As the pace quickens, they add jumps and other embellishments. The dignified maiden mother dances with slower, controlled steps, reflecting her elevated status. For the energetic finale, they dance in a synchronized frenzy. Exhausted, the dancers retire until the next festival. Worn only by men as part of agricultural festivals, the masks are used to summon spirits that are believed to protect the living and promote abundant harvests, fertility, and prosperity.

Archive label for Palmer collection exhibit, date unknown:
The white face indicates that the departed spirit represented by the mask was female; male masks were black. This type of mask was worn by male members of the Mmwo Society at ceremonies involved with the yam cult and at the funerals of society members. Along with the mask would be a brightly-colored costume; and the departed would speak through the masks with spirit voices.