Mask: Opa Nwa

Date1953

Maker Chukwu Okoro, Mgbom village, Afikpo Nigerian, 1910 - 1987

Label TextOpa nwa - "Carry Child" mask The "queen" has a female face and carries a child on her head. During Okumpka, she is often hidden in the center of the crowd of seated performers. Known as a woman who rejects suitor after suitor, she is the center of great attention whenever she gets up to dance. Male performers do their best to be as graceful and delicate as possible in portraying her.

Object number2005.51

Photo CreditPhoto: Beth Mann

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Lessons from the Institute of Empathy, Mar. 31, 2018 - ongoing.Published ReferencesIshikawa, Chiyo, ed., A Community of Collectors: 75th Anniversary Gifts to the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle: Seattle Art Museum, 2007, illus. p. 131

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

Dimensions23 x 4 1/2 x 6in. (58.4 x 11.4 x 15.2cm)

MediumWood with raffia backing