British Museum - Mask 38

myminifactory

Among the Kalabari Ijo people of Nigeria's lower Niger River delta, rituals hold great significance as they honor and appease water spirits believed responsible for ensuring the community's food supply and fertility. One such wooden mask represents otobo, a water spirit in the form of a hippopotamus. When worn, this mask is placed atop the head, adorned with feathers and cloth. African masks serve purposes extending beyond mere entertainment and ceremonies; they also bring the untamed forces of the wild bush and swamps into the structured environment of towns and villages, allowing humans to interact with these powers and harness their energies for social ends. Characters often featured in such powerful masquerades include ferocious beasts, malevolent spirits, foreign entities, witches, or the departed. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory that aims to create a digital repository of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access at no cost. Scan The World operates as an open-source community effort; individuals with intriguing objects nearby who wish to contribute can email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how they can participate.