The black patinted carved wood Ijaw headdress depicts a water deity in the form of a catfish. In characteristic style, the masquerade headpiece is designed for the principle features to face the sky so they are visible to spectators when the dancer bends forward. The Niger Delta fish, an important staple in the day-to-day life of the Ijaw, is depicted with smooth skin and almond-shaped stylized eyes. Open-mouthed, the short-finned and dense bodied fish appears to glide through the water at speed; the fins are made of inserted wooden blades.
Purchase:
Gift:
Found in Collection:
