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Mask: Okpesu Umuruma

Photo by Beth Mann

Mask: Okpesu Umuruma

1960

Chukwu Okoro, Mgbom village, Afikpo

Nigerian, 1910-1987

Afikpo

Nigerian

Okepesu Omuruwa - "Frighten Children" mask

This mask immediately signals greediness and self-interest and is worn by a player who appears in skits as an evil character who brings tension to the surface for resolution.

Wood with raffia backing
11 1/2 x 6 x 5in. (29.2 x 15.2 x 12.7cm)
Gift of Simon Ottenberg, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2005.48
Photo by Beth Mann
location
Not currently on view

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.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM