Igbo
Federal Republic of NigeriaElephant Spirit Mask (Ogbodo Enyi), 20th century
Not on view
Wood, pigment, metal
Dimensions14 × 12 × 22 in. (35.6 × 30.5 × 55.9 cm)
Museum purchase with funds from the Collection Endowment, 2021.4
This mask is a type of headdress known as an ogbodo enyi and was used to cleanse the community of evil spirits and distructive elements. The word enyi means “elephant” or “friend” and enyi meaning “spirit.” A male performer would wear the headdress and perform a dance from several hours throughout the village, signifying the elephant’s power and endurance.
