Agbogho Mmuo (Maiden Spirit Mask)
Artist
Igbo artist
Dateearly 20th century
MediumWood and pigment
Dimensions14 x 14 x 7 1/2 in. (35.6 x 35.6 x 19.1 cm)
ClassificationsWood
Credit LineGift of Rhonda Morgan Wilkerson, PhD
Object number2024.22.5
On View
On viewThe Agbogho Mmuo (Madien Spirit Mask) power is contained. Though faded now, this mask’s white pigment–covered skin and idealized features affirm this spiritual control. In opposition, the Mgbedike (Helmet Mask) is a composite of many creatures, none fully recognizable. These features give the mask a sense of its uncontrollable and unrestrained power. Often, masquerades with such obvious differences are used to emphasize the need for balance between the various extremes.
Note: This work was displayed with Mgbedike (Helmet Mask) [2024.22.6].ProvenanceCreated in Nigeria, early 20th century. Roger de la Burde (1932-1992) Powhatan County, VA; to his daughter, Corinna M. Pugh [1]; [consigned to Charles Jones African Art, Wilmington, NC, 2007], Rhonda Morgan Wilkerson, Morrisville, NC, 2007; given to NCMA, 2024.
[1] After Roger de la Burde died in 1992, his estate was passed on to his three daughters. In 1994, his estate worked with Motley’s Auctions to sell some of de la Burde’s African art pieces. According to Charles Jones, owner of Charles Jones African Art, other pieces from de la Burde’s African art collection were put in storage. In 2007, he was contacted by Corinna M. Pugh, de la Burde’s daughter, who was looking to sell the African artworks in storage. Shortly after, Jones contacted Rhonda Morgan Wilkerson to buy pieces from the de la Burde collection.Exhibition HistoryRaleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection, Reimagined," October 7, 2022–present. Object Rights Statement
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