Cap Crest Mask

Possible OriginAbiriba, Nigeria, Africa

Possible OriginNigeria, Africa

CultureIgbo, Abiriba (?) or Cross River region

Date19th-20th Century

MediumWood, pigment

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Dimensions17 1/2 x 4 3/4 in. (44.5 x 12.1 cm)

Object number2005.069.001

Label TextIn the Cross River Region of Nigeria, the rivalry between masking associations gave artists incentives to generate new art forms and styles. Each association lavished great expense on masquerade paraphernalia in a bid to display the most impressive masks and most inspired dances.

This striking crest mask cannot be traced to a particular ethnic or cultural group. It displays elements reminiscent of Igbo, Idoma, Boki and Ejagham carving styles. The mask is therefore typical for the Cross River region where artists, art objects, and styles are highly mobile.
Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Installation, November 19, 2007 - December 1, 2014
MCCM Permanent Collection Installation, August 6, 2016 - Present
Published ReferencesMCCM Newsletter, March - May 2008.
Michael C. Carlos Museum: Highlights of the Collections (Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, 2011), 103.

ProvenanceAcquired through exchange by MCCM from Charles Jones African Art, Wilmington, North Carolina.

Status

On view

Collections