Skip to main content

Dancer Wearing Fish Mask

Image Masquerades
A monochromatic photograph of a dancer wearing a fish mask and elaborate regalia performing for a crowd.
Dancer wearing a mask representing a fish. From the G.I. Jones collection, circa 1935.

A photograph depicting a dancer in a mid-motion stance during a ritual or ceremonial performance. The figure wears a vertically oriented head structure with a rectangular textile element featuring a four-armed geometric motif, and elongated pointed components extending upward. The torso is draped in a heavy patterned textile with a geometric or checkered motif, while the lower extremities are covered in voluminous light-colored fibrous material. A multi-generational group of spectators, including adults and children, is positioned in a semi-circular perimeter around the performer on flat earthen ground. The background contains dense tropical vegetation with broad-leafed plants and palm-like structures. This image, a monochromatic print from circa 1935, relates to the Owu Water Spirit Masquerade of the riverine Igbo and Ijo peoples.

Community Notes

No community notes yet. Share your knowledge!

Log in to add context.

Previous
Portrait of Man and Woman
Next
Agbhogho Mmanwu Maiden Mask

You May Also Like

Discussion

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Discussion

Guest Mode