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Study of Igbo Wooden Mask

Image Masks
Side view of a carved wooden anthropomorphic mask
Study of Igbo wooden mask, side view. From the British Museum.

A photograph depicting a side view of a carved wooden mask. The object is vertically oriented and anthropomorphic, featuring a prominent horizontal fissure separating the upper and lower segments. The lower segment displays stylized facial features, including an almond shaped eye, a defined nasal bridge, and small closed lips tapering toward an elongated chin. The image is a monochromatic gelatin silver print with directional lighting that emphasizes the relief of the facial carvings. The provenance of the object was suggested by N F Barley on March 10, 1998.

Community Notes

Onyeka Nwokike

Sep 12, 2026

Artistic production in Fugar often exhibits significant influence from Igbo and Igala material culture. Carvings from this region frequently resemble "ikenga" or "okega" figures, which are forms of alusi (deity) commonly found in Igbo and Igala-speaking areas of Nigeria, as detailed in the Fugar Archives. This regional artistic synthesis is further reflected in local masquerade traditions, such as the Idu and Aimonuye masks seen in Fugar-Avianwu.

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