Female Impersonator's Costume, 20th century
Igboexpand_more
Cotton, jute, wool, rayon, applique, and embroideryexpand_more
Gift of Richard and Roberta Simmonsexpand_more 90.146.25
Not on Viewexpand_more
The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria are known for their spectacular art forms, notably their masquerades. While museum often show masks without the matching dress, here we have a costume lacking the wooden mask with an elaborate hairstyle. During a festival called "The Fame of Maidens," male dancers would embody the ideals of youthful feminine beauty through their masks, costumes, and movements.
The costume has woven breasts and a naval attached to it. The applique designs in vivid colors refer to female body ornamentation, traditionally a combination of scarification and body paint. Beauty, for the Igbo, refers to physical and moral characteristics, and the dead maidens who are honored during the festival personify both.
Details
- Title
- Female Impersonator's Costume
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 90.146.25
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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