URHOBO SKIN MASK

A large, skin covered Urhobo mask with an elongated oval shaped face that tapers at the chin. The mouth is open showing exposed teeth.  The leather used in these masks is often antelope skin stretched over a carved hardwood frame and secured around the edges with leather or raffia rope.

The Urhobo skin mask is worn during ceremonies in honour of ancestral spirits believed to serve as guardians of living descendants. The mask, like the Urhobo spirit statue, is believed to have strong connections with marine spirits.

The affinity of the Urhobo people to the marine world is based on their strategic location in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. They occupy areas of present-day Delta State where tributaries of the River Niger overflows during the rainy season. As such, mask and statues are associated with spirits believed to be children of the water.

Condition

Good. Some marks on the natural leather due to age.