2006.57.4 Face mask (maa ji)

The maa ji is among the hundreds of masks that appear in annual Dry Season parades and masquerades along with the igri (1998.83.McD). The maa ji is a face mask with a yam-cutting-knife-like form projecting from its forehead. The masquerades present the Afikpo world, which includes men, women, students, teachers, missionaries, Muslims, Europeans, and Westernized Africans. The masked dancers act out a series of humorous, but critical, skits dramatizing the violations of traditionally approved behavior. For example, a skit might complain about the greediness of village elders or women's breaches of conduct. The masked actors, who wear or carry special objects to further identify their character, are accompanied by musicians, singers, and dancers who also wear masks. 

Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.

n.d.: Saja Tunkara

1970-2006: John Lunsford, Dallas, Texas, purchased from above 10 December 1970

2006: Dallas Museum of Art, gift from above

The main source for this provenance is the DMA digital record.

Apply to objects where number equals 2006.57.4