IDNO

T.170069.GIJ

Description

Obugulu Mau (Ghost) masquerade. A gathering of characters in front of thatched buildings.

On the left of the image stands masquerader, Nwabogho Ehi, (Heifer), wearing a helmet mask (painted white and with v-shaped markings above and below the eyes)dressed in a brightly coloured harlequin-like/appliqué costume. Cloth cloak tied around the neck, over ?woven or ?net cloth which is attached to the mask, wrappers around the waist and ankle-rattles, made of ?seeds. Mud and thatch houses and trees and vegetation in the background.[Description from record P.71536.GIJ, PB 15/09/2023].

To the right various other characters including two Iro Ekpetu (Merciless) masqueraders. These masqueraders are wearing a fierce mask, black with fang-like teeth, and a loose costume of sacking or soiled cotton cloth with an apron-like skirt of raffia. He is carrying a wand or a stick with which to threaten the crowd. Thatched buildings are in the background. [Description from record P.71541.GIJ, PB 15/09/2023]

In the centre of the image stands Udo Ezuo is standing in the foreground, wearing a white (painted in white clay or gypsum?) head-mask to the top of the head attached to a geometric patterned cloth top, striped leggings, raffia skirt, and ankle-rattles. The mask appears to be similar to a female helmet mask, though the face is above the head of the wearer. [Description from record P.71541.GIJ, PB 15/09/2023]

Place

W Africa; Nigeria; South Eastern Nigeria; Onitsha Province; near Awka; Amuda village

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

Format

Colour Transparency

Primary Documentation

Other Information

T.169937.GIJ - T.170148.GIJ were located together in a Agfa transparency box, now numbered C756/.