Helmet Mask

MOA: University of British Columbia

3326/10

Dance mask composed of tightly woven plant fibres. The mask has a conical top that extends down completely covering the face. Five square holes woven in for the eyes, ears and mouth. The edges are wrapped with strips of fibre. A length of unwoven fibres extend from the top point. The exterior of the mask is completely covered with strings of abrus seeds. Hanging from the bottom edge around the entire mask are fifteen strings of abrus seeds with a tuft of cotton, and seven more smaller strings and smaller tufts hang across the mouth.

  • Narrative

    Assumed to have been collected by Lieber while he was living in Nigeria (1965-1970), lecturing at the University of Ibadan under the auspices of CIDA.


  • Type of Item mask
  • Culture Angas
  • Material abrus seed, cotton fibre, plant fibre
  • Measurements height 35.5 cm, width 21.0 cm, depth 20.5 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Jack Lieber, Iris Lieber
  • Received from Iris Lieber

  • Made in Nigeria

  • Collection Date between 1965 and 1970
  • Ownership Date before 2015, before June 18, 2018
  • Acquisition Date on June 18, 2018

  • Condition fair
  • Accession Number 3326/0010