Helmet Mask Representing a Ram

Origin: Yoruba Tribe, Nigeria
Composition: wood, lacquer/paint

Sheep, and especially rams, appear quite frequently in African visual arts. The key metaphor of rams is derived from the dramatic way they butt heads as they vie for a ewe's attention. The ram's horns are symbols of aggression, determination, stoicism, and perserverance, for the ram's desire to repeatedly attack an adversary or problem. But rams only fight occassionally, and do not often grievously wound or kill; and so the ram's horns also encourage a man's spiritually inspired restraint (Ref: Animals in African Art).