Published in “Sculpture of the Umuahia Area of Nigeria” in African Arts, Vol. 6, No. 4 (Summer 1973). Shared under a Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).
This black and white photograph captures a carved wooden mask used in the Lughulu Masquerade of the Item Tribe in Isu-Item. The mask features large, rectangular eye openings and a protruding lower face with a simple, horizontal mouth. The rough texture of the wood and visible carving marks highlight the handcrafted nature of the piece. Coarse fibers or woven material are visible around the edges, likely used for attachment or decoration. Photographed by G.I. Jones in the 1930s, this image provides a valuable record of Igbo masquerade traditions.
The Lughulu Masquerade, celebrated by the Isu-Item Igbo community, beautifully showcases the cultural richness and artistic expression of the Igbo people. This mask, photographed by G.I. Jones in the 1930s, highlights the creativity and craftsmanship of the Item Tribe.
In Igbo culture, masquerades are important events blending entertainment, spirituality, and social commentary. The masks used in these performances are powerful symbols, each representing specific characters, spirits, or concepts that play crucial roles in storytelling and community rituals.
The hand-carved wooden mask featured here, with its exaggerated facial features, captures the lively and dynamic essence of the Lughulu Masquerade. The craftsmanship involved in creating these masks reflects the skill and dedication of Igbo artisans. The use of masks in masquerades emphasizes the role of art in preserving and conveying cultural identity, values, and traditions.
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Masks hold a special place in the cultural and artistic heritage of the Igbo people. These elaborate creations are not merely decorative objects; they carry deep spiritual, social, and cultural
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