Mask: Mma ji

1952-53

Nigerian, 1910-1987

"Mma ji" (Knife-yam) refers to the top piece on the mask which looks like a knife or machete. It is worn by males ranging from young boys to adult men, and can be costumed as a schoolboy, missionary, Muslim or westernized African.

Wood with raffia backing

17 x 5 x 6 1/2in. (43.2 x 12.7 x 16.5cm)

Gift of Simon Ottenberg, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2005.41

Photo: Beth Mann

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

Media

For SAM's My Favorite Things series in 2015, Nigerian artist Emeka Ogboh discusses SAM's collection of Chukwu Okoro masks and his Igbo heritage.

Resources

Published ReferencesIshikawa, Chiyo, ed., A Community of Collectors: 75th Anniversary Gifts to the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle: Seattle Art Museum, 2007, illus. p. 130

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