IDNO

D.169670.GIJ

Description

A Mgbedike or Agu neche enyi masquerade with supporters and onlookers. The mask or headdress consists of a fierce looking face with white v-shaped marking on the forehead, large eyes, pointed nose, over-sized mouth and menacing teeth painted white?, and crescent shaped ears. Protruding (twisted) horns encircle the top of the head in which there is an elaborate superstructure, with animals, horned figures and European or colonial officers (oyibo) dressed in European clothing with pith helmets. There is a painted serpent with its mouth wide open showing its teeth. The bulky costume of the masquerader is made of cloth, the upper body is adorned with leaves? or v-shaped dark material, a belt made of strands of cowrie shells with a metal bell attached, around the waist is a light coloured cloth, and rattles made of seeds around the legs. The masquerader is holding a club? or machete in one hand. In the left hand side of the photograph, a group of male supporters (wearing feathers in their hair) are next to the masquerader playing instruments - two are playing metal gongs, one is holding a fan?. In the background is a large group of onlookers watching the masquerade and behind them are trees and vegetation. [Description from record P.71559.GIJ, PB 27/10/2022]

Place

W Africa; Nigeria; South Eastern Nigeria; Onitsha province; Nri Awka

Cultural Affliation

Igbo [historically Ibo]

Named Person

Photographer

Jones, Gwilliam Iwan (known as G.I.)

Collector / Expedition

Date

circa 1930 - 1939

Collection Name

Jones Collection

Source

Jones, Ursula

Format

Print Black & White

Primary Documentation

Other Information

P.169627.GIJ - P.169904.GIJ were located together in a brown box, now numbered C754/.

P.169652.GIJ - P.169679.GIJ were located in a brown envelope now numbered C754/2/.