Afikpo mask Nigeria Wood H. 81 cm Masks of this type are used in large numbers to form a parade at the time of male initiations in Igbo country in the southeast region of Nigeria. It is part of the Okumkpa masquerade which brings together costumed masks and hundreds of participants. Its fascinating and highly stylized plastic construction is developed in two intersecting planes, a horizontal one with a sort of beak enriched with openwork, and a vertical one with a blade that is also openwork. In Igbo thought, it embodies masculine strength and originality.

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