2.15: Igbo Abogho Mmou Masks
- Page ID
- 359679
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Artist: Unknown
Medium: Wood, pigment, and raffia
Art Historical Time Period: Precolonial to contemporary, Igbo culture (Nigeria)
The Abogho Mmou masks are created by the Igbo people of Nigeria to represent the spirits of deceased women. These masks are used in masquerade performances during festivals and ceremonies. The masks feature exaggerated facial features such as narrow eyes and small mouths, symbolizing beauty and moral virtues. The masquerades also include elaborate dances that narrate stories about community values, social norms, and the spiritual world.
These masks are significant because they celebrate feminine ideals and moral teachings. Their exaggerated designs allowed artists to experiment with abstract and symbolic forms, influencing both African and global art. Abogho Mmou masks continue to inspire modern artists, particularly in their use of expressive forms and their integration of art, dance, and storytelling into one cohesive performance.
Vocabulary
- Abstract – Art that does not try to look exactly like real life
- Cohesive – Well-connected or united
Student Authors
- Lucia Ibarra ’24 and Santiago Martinez ’22
References and Image Attribution
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