The Ijo people live primarily as fishermen in the Niger Delta, in southern Nigeria. Therefore their masks often depict water spirits (‘owu’) that – according to the beliefs of the Ijo – float above the surface of the water. They perform during water spirit feats (‘ekine’) and aim to promote abundance (especially of fish). These masks are not worn on the face of the masked dancers, but on the head as helmet or crest masks. This pair of antelope masks, named ‘agria’ or ‘ajobo’, belong to the water spirit masks, because antelopes often reside on the banks of rivers and lagoons and are considered to be good swimmers. The dancers wear the masks horizontally on their heads and wade into water, often up to their necks. The present pair of Ijo antelope masks are carved from hard, brown wood and coloured black and white. Each mask has a pair of backward-sweeping horns. The one with the smooth horns depicts the male antelope, while as the twisted horns belong to the female. Both objects are dyed black on the outside as well as on the inside, it is only the tips of the horns, the almond-shaped eyes and their open snouts with rows of teeth that are coloured white. Both rare objects bear traces of use (lightly chipped edges and tips) as well as a good, old shiny patina on the outside as well as on the inside. Height: 74 cm and 72 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Austrian Collection.