Dance Costume, 20th century
Igboexpand_more
Cotton, burlap, poly-blend fabric, poly-blend thread; needleworkexpand_more
Gift of Herb Grikaexpand_more 96.74
Not on Viewexpand_more
In most examples of masked performance in Africa, the dancer wears some sort of body covering in addition to the mask. Museums often display the masks alone, but here we have the opposite: a costume lacking the wooden mask that would have accompanied it. During the Nigerian Igbo festival called “Fame of the Maidens,” male dancers embody the ideals of youthful feminine beauty through their masks, costumes, and movements. The appliqué designs in vivid colors refer to female body ornamentation, traditionally a combination of scarification and body paint.
This costume, created for a small person, was originally made in two parts and later joined.
Details
- Title
- Dance Costume
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 96.74
- 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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