Mask Okpesu Umuruma (Frighten Children)

1960

Nigerian, 1910-1987

To "frighten children" is the goal of this grotesque face whose every feature is twisted for a reason. It doesn't suggest physical illness, but social illness, as it is a favorite mask that lampoons men full of greed and self-interest. In elaborate plays, this mask character acted as an evil being who brings tensions to the surface for resolution. Also appearing in parades, he gamboled around the edges to disrupt any sense of order. The donor commissioned this mask from the artist in 1960 as part of his extensive research on Afikpo art.

Wood with raffia backing, pigment

10 x 5 3/4 x 5 1/2in. (25.4 x 14.6 x 14cm)

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

2005.50

Photo by Beth Mann

Not currently on view

Media

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

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Disguise: Masks and Global African Art, June 18 - Sept. 7, 2015 (Los Angeles, California, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Oct. 18, 2015 - Mar. 13, 2016; Brooklyn, New York, Brooklyn Museum, Apr. 29 - Sept. 18, 2016).

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