Male and Female Masks

1850-1950; Nigeria, Upper Benue River (Waja); Wood, ocher, brass tacks; height, male 158.8 cm (62 1/2 in.), female 157.6 cm (62 in.); Founders Society Purchase, Eleanor Clay Ford for African Art; 78.41-.42

Despite their enormous size, yoke masks like this male and female pair are worn over the shoulders and possibly danced in ceremonies. A male and female pair of masks in this style are extremely rare and suggest that they portray the potent original ancestral couple to a group. The masks would have been worn with large costumes made from fiber and attached to the holes along the edges of the yokes.

JPEG, 30K