HCK 1113-2

Chamba, Mama Mask, Nigeria.

H: 42 cm (16,5″), W: 19 cm (7,5″)

Provenance: Dutch collection.

The Chamba people, whose number was estimated to be 20,000 in the 1990´ies, live south of the Benue River. For the Chamba art has a prominent role as a symbol of transformation during funerals, initiation and to control the forces of untamed nature. This type of mask is typical for the Chamba mask tradition. With its highly stylized animal features, it symbolizes a bush spirit and it is worn during funerals, inauguration ceremonies. Worn together with a thick fiber costume the mask is thought to bring prosperity to the tribe.

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