Helmet Crest Mask Mangam

Origin: Mama (Kantana) Tribe, Nigeria
Composition: wood, pigment, libations

Masks representing buffaloes and antelopes are used by various agricultural peoples on the Jos Plateau in central Nigeria. This buffalo mask, highly stylized and reduced to just a few geometric forms, originated from the Mama people, who are also known as the Kantana.

Detailed information about the Mama's masking tradition, however, is lacking. From the few reports available, it seems that the masks appeared in the context of the Udawaru secret society's mangam cult, to placate the spirits of the ancestors and ensure a good harvest. They were reportedly also used to "channel the life forces for the increase and well-being of the community."

During their performance, the masqueraders wore voluminous raffia costumes that entirely covered their bodies. The masks were worn on top of the head, and looked upwards.

Most zoomorphic Mama masks have two horns or projections, like this piece, but are oriented in a left-and-right manner. This piece, with its centered, front-and-back horns is most unusual. A similar piece was published in Kerchache, "Art of Africa," plate 506.

The 1965 photograph (left) depicts a Mama masquerader in full costume, and is © C. Duponcheel (Ref: Bacquart, "The Tribal Arts of Africa"; Bouttiaux, "Persona"; Kerchache, "Art of Africa"; Segy, "Masks of Black Africa"; Stepan, "Spirits Speak").

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