Explore the masks and masquerade objects in the Northcote W. Thomas collection, using the drop down menu below to browse objects from each town or region.
Click on each image to explore it further, including for different views of each object.
Masquerade costume
Object number: Z 11923 B
Description: Masquerade costume made out of raffia and cloth. There is a basketry conic helmet covered with cloth and half parts of nut shells. The top of the hat has a rusty can.
Cultural sub-group: Yekhee
Town: Agenibode/Agenegbode
Measurements: 147 cm long, 76 cm wide
Masks
Object number: Z 11909
Description: Agbadzi. Wooden face mask. The fibre is still attached to the holes around the base. This mask was probably for boys’ masquerades and made by the boys themselves. It bears traces of white and purple, grey or red pigment.
Cultural sub-group: Yekhee
Town: Agenibode/Agenegbode
Measurements: 39 cm long, 9.5 cm wide
Object number: Z 11913
Description: Odomudu. Wooden face mask with long face and pointed chin. This mask was probably for boys' masquerades and made by the boys themselves.
Cultural sub-group: Yekhee
Town: Agenibode/Agenegbode
Measurements: 34.5 cm long, 11 cm wide
Object number: Z 11918
Description: Wooden face mask, the triangular tapering shape of the face is common to Agenibode masks. Two prominent horn-like protrusions extend from the top of the head, may represent a hyena.
Cultural sub-group: Yekhee
Town: Agenibode/Agenegbode
Measurements: 39.5 cm long (45 cm with stand); 17 cm wide
Object number: Z 11921
Description: Odumodo.Very large unusual sized mask of extremely light wood.
Cultural sub-group: Yekhee
Town: Agenibode/Agenegbode
Measurements: 14 cm long, 23 cm wide, 41 cm high
Object number: Z 12296
Description: Aure. Wooden janus head mask. Intense dark wood appears burnt and gives off a black substance.
Cultural sub-group: Avianwu
Town: Fuga(r)/Avianwu
Measurements: 27.5 cm long, 17.5 cm wide, 14.5 cm high
Object number: Z 12297
Description: Obo. Wooden face mask with a domed head and serrated crest on top. Incised decoration and the face has been painted white, with blue marks. Some fibre remains in the holes along the edge of the mask. Said to be reminiscent of Igbo designs.
Cultural sub-group: Avianwu
Town: Fuga(r)/Avianwu
Measurements: 47.5 cm long, 30 cm wide
Object number: Z 12299
Description: Igbodu. Wooden mask with holes around the lower edges for the attachment of a raffia curtain.
Cultural sub-group: Avianwu
Town: Fuga(r)/Avianwu
Measurements: 28 cm long, 18 cm wide, 29 cm high
