About
Throughout Africa, masking is an art form typically created by men; they are in charge of producing, performing, and caring for the mask. In the Agbogho Mmuo, or maiden-spirit mask, men portray female spirits. The crest at the top signifies the age of the spirit and ranges from large, complex structures representing the eldest maiden spirit to smaller crests, like the one exhibited here, which suggests a younger sister. These masks offer a contrast to mgbedike masks, which are fierce, horned, aggressive and generally masculine masks. Known as the “beauty/beast” opposition, these contrasting characteristics are one way in which moral, political, and entertaining messages can be explained.
A colorful appliqué costume would cover the masker’s entire body, giving no indication that human flesh exists beneath. The white face indicates she is a spirit and provides a base for the linear marks on her face. Her features are delicate, embodying the concept of beauty, and her crest contains geometric designs and chameleons at the top. The blue pigment is washer’s blue or laundry blue, a pigment used to whiten in the laundry, but often used to simulate indigo. The dance that would play out is flirtatious and allows the maidens to compete among each other.