Agbogho mmwo, mask
Photogallery
Agbogho mmwo, mask
Mask depicting the spirit of a young girl; the shape, facial features, scarifications, facial decorations and elaborate hairstyle represent the elements of the ideal of female beauty of the Igbo population.
These masks were worn by young men of the society of the “mmwo” or “maiden spirits” on the occasion of the Maiden Ceremonies, to instruct and educate the young in both behavioural morality and the canons of physical beauty, where these correspond to the ethics of the person. Thus height, a correct posture, a slim and straight nose and a small mouth symbolise generosity, purity, obedience and good character.
These dances also took place to mark the harvest and the dry season for the feast of the Earth Goddess, to propitiate a rich and abundant harvest.