Mask (Ogbodo)

Artist Artist Unknown

Dateearly–mid 20th century

MediumWood

Dimensions15 1/2 x 11 x 7 1/2 in. (39.4 x 27.9 x 19.1 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Fred Jamner

Object numberGL.75.38.3

On View

Not on view

Label TextIn northeastern Igboland, masks—carved headpieces together with their costumes, dance steps, and music—are called ogbodo, in reference to the spirit that infuses a dancer with the strength and courage to perform as the spirit’s embodiment. To protect themselves from the dangers inherent in this process of transformation, dancers often suspend packets of powerful medicines from their costumes. Three small calabashes (gourds) on the forehead of this mask contain such magical substances. This is especially important for this ogbodo, which represents a powerful and aggressive male spirit.Published ReferencesEdgar Peters Bowron, ed., Introduction to the Collections (Chapel Hill: Published for the North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, by The University of North Carolina Press, 1983), illus. (b-w) 72.

Introduction to the Collections, rev. ed. (Raleigh: North Carolina Museum of Art, 1992), illus. (b-w) 45.
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