Auction 105

15 November 2025

– 99 –

„ane“, sowie bei pompösen Begräb-

nissen von Mitgliedern des Bundes.

Die Maske wird ergänzt durch ein

buntes enges Kostüm mit falschen

Brüsten.

Maiden spirit mask „agbogho

mmwo“

wood, pigments, handwritten inven-

tory no. „557“, rest., base

This mask type symbolizes the ideals

of youthful female beauty. It belongs

to the “mmwo” men’s society and is

performed exclusively by men. It is

worn during harvest festivals (the

“yam cult”), the annual ceremonies

in honor of the earth spirit “Ane”, and

at elaborate funerals of society mem-

bers. The mask is complemented by

a colorful, tight-fitting costume with

false breasts.

H: 59 cm

Provenance

Lempertz, Brussels, Belgium, 28 April

2007, lot 98

Werner & Lotte Krause, Hamburg,

Germany

AHDRC: 0094394

Vgl. Lit.: Fagaly, William, Ancestors

of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011,

p. 212 f.

€ 2.000 - 4.000

Lot 202