African Mask at The British Museum, London
myminifactory
Among the Kalabari Ijo peoples who inhabit the Niger River delta in Nigeria, sacred rituals pay homage to water spirits, revered for their role in providing sustenance and fertility to the Ijo community. A carved wooden mask embodies one of these revered water spirits, otobo, symbolizing a hippopotamus. When donned, the mask rested atop the wearer's head, adorned with feathers and cloth. In Africa, masks served purposes beyond mere entertainment or ceremonial functions; they also bridged the divide between the wild and civilized realms, allowing humans to engage with the untamed forces of nature and harness their power for social gain. Commonly depicted in these powerful masquerades are fierce beasts, supernatural entities, foreigners, witches, or ancestral spirits. This artifact is part of "Scan The World," a global digital archive of 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks created by MyMiniFactory's non-profit initiative. Scan the World is an open-source community project, inviting individuals to contribute their unique items for free public access. If you have interesting objects around you and wish to participate, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can join this collaborative effort.
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