The artistry of Nigerian Afikpo masks strikes a visual chord so clear and beautiful. Cultural anthropologist Dr. Simon Ottenberg documented the traditions of this region during the 1950′s – 60′s, that resulted in an in-depth book, ‘Masked Rituals of Afikpo: The Context of an African Art’ and archive of images now part of the Smithsonian.
“The people of the Afikpo Village-Group in the East Central State of Nigeria have developed an elaborate masquerade tradition which, with its close relationship to the menÕs secret society and the annual festival cycle, constitutes an important part of Afikpo life. Because a mask creates a screen between its wearer and the audience, it allows the performers often to act more candidly than they ordinarily do; and so it is in the masked plays that one finds satire and significant comment on Afikpo social practices.”
“Okumpka, the most elaborate masquerade found at Afikpo Village-Group, is the most popular and well attended Afikpo masked ritual. It consists of a series of skits, songs, and dances presented by masked players in the main common of a village during of an afternoon or evening. The play is closely associated with the village secret society; all players are society members, and all wear wooden masks and costumes.”
Source:
The Masked Rituals of Afikpo: The Context of an African Art authored by Dr. Simon Ottenberger and published in 1975.
Where is Afikpo?
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