Mangam or bushcow mask from the Mama people of Nigeria, West Africa

Abundant Inspiration!

Mama may be one of the first words uttered by human beings; but it is also the name of an African tribe residing in northern Nigeria. The Mama not only have the honor of bearing a name understood by just about everyone on the planet, but also the distinction of creating one of the most sought after works in all of African art – the mangam mask – the subject of this week’s New Arrival.

This mangam mask features a stylized mouth and horns and the unmistakable patina of use

The mangam mask represents the spirit of a stylized buffalo or bush cow. In use, the mask was meant to harness this spirit to bring an abundant harvest to the village where it was danced. Imagine a dancer wearing this mask – not over their face but on top of their head – their face and body hidden by grasses, swaying back and forth, energetically inspiring villagers and collectors alike. 

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