Shoulder Mask – Wood – Mumuye – Nigeria

Great wooden shoulder mask from the Mumuye tribe of Nigeria. The MUMUYE have shoulder or yoke masks, known as Sukwava, which displays an elongated neck set under a diminutive head with large ears. Traditionally, they were used during pre—war ceremonies, but nowadays they are worn during rain—making and healing practices.

Peoples such as the Mumuye, the Chamba, the Jukun, the Wurkun and the Montol live along the Benue River in eastern Nigeria.
The wooden mask is in good condition with traces of tribal use.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner Ulm, Germany.