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© Bruce M. White, 2008.
ClassificationsAfrican Art

Cap Crest Mask

Possible OriginNigeria, Africa
Possible OriginAbiriba, Nigeria, 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 - June 30, 2025
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
Not on view
Collections
  • African Art