#okorosha

[ukpuru]

Ibibio hinged jaw masks (sides) and Igbo maiden spirit and ‘pretty’ okoroshi masks (centre and bottom right). From: Webster, W.D (1900). Illustrated Catalogue of Ethnological Specimens. European and Eastern Arms and Armour. Prehistoric and Other Curiosities, Vol. vol 4, No. 27.

[ukpuru]

Okoroshi oma white mask, southern Igbo. Photo: G. I. Jones, 1930s.

[ukpuru]

Deformed Igbo mask, possibly okoroshi ojo [ugly/evil mask]. 20th century

[ukpuru]

An [Igbo] Okorosie or Okoroshi masquerade with the masquerade character [Amuosu] (Vampire[/witch]). The masquerader is wearing a dark wooden face mask which consists of a protruding forehead, slit eyes, nose with strong prognathic jaw and protruding mouth; white lines of paint adorn the mask. The masquerader is wearing a dark woven cloth that is attached to the mask. In the background are spectators.

G. I. Jones, 1930s.

[ukpuru]

Igbo Okorosha mask. Opposite to the ‘light’ and benevolent feminine Okoroshi oma is the Okoroshi ojo (bad Okorosha, pictured) which is a masculine and boisterous mask. Photo by G. I. Jones, 1930s.

[ukpuru]

An Igbo Okoroshi oma masquerade of a female character dancing in front of a group of spectators. Photo by G. I. Jones, 1930s.

[ukpuru]

Okorosha oma mask at Eziama Orlu (Isuama Igbo). Photo by G. I. Jones, 1930s.

[ukpuru]

An Igbo Okoroshi oma benevolent spirit mask, early 20th century. Brooklyn Museum.