Igbo / Nigeria / Mmwo society / Maiden-costume and mask Start Price USD 2,850.00 Current Price USD 2,850.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, August 28, 2008 End Time Sunday, September 07, 2008 Location Miami, Florida See more about 'Igbo / Nigeria / Mmwo society / Maiden-costume and mask' Description SquareTrade © AP6.0 Check out my other items!     Be sure to add me to your favorites list!    Maiden-Spirit Mask : Agbogho / Mmwo-society / Total H with attached mask: 74 inches / mask alone 20 inches. / The costume is presented on a metal frame . Tribal use of this costume is evident. The cloth is worn in several places especially on the lower back of the garment. Some fringes are missing on the right side of the upper chest. The defects do not distract from the beauty of this rare tribal piece. The festival Ude Agbogho is consecrated to the spirit of virgin women. It is performed by a male dancer called Agbogh of the intermediate grade of the Mmwo society. The masked men representing the virginal female spirit wear close fitted, vibrantly colored and patterned applique costumes from multicolored textile fabric, derived partly from Uli and other body designs. The masked dancer disguises their voices by means of a wind instrument held inbetween their teeth, which emits very peculiar sounds. The Mmwo masquerade performs every three years during the initiation of the boys. The annual festival of the ancestors, (Alo Mmo), at funerals, and at the great Yam festival which is celebrated at the beginning of the dry season, after harvest. Please note: Older pieces of African artifacts have imperfections due to time and wear. This fact generally does not distract from the value of the pieces.Although we carefully point out repairs and damages, be aware that not all of the smaller ships, and dents can be enumerated. Should you have any questions, please contact us before you decide to purchase an item. You full satisfaction is our highest priority. Place a Bid!