Unknown/unspecified

Trumpet with double figure

trumpet with double figure
view: left

This trumpet is surmounted by two figures standing back to back. They have flat mask like faces. The arms are carved in a continuous band around the figures, joining at the hands. Between the two heads and in a double band below the figures are carved cowrie ornaments.


Trumpet with standing figure

trumpet with standing figure
view: quarter 1

This trumpet is surmounted by a standing figure, under which, is the airhole, where the trumpet would be blown. The figure has sinewy arms, with the hands clasped as if holding a beard or in prayer.


Dance mask representing a European

dance mask representing a European
view: front

This mask is constructed of a very light wood. The face is very smooth, although the reverse is quite crudely carved.


Hunting whistle or flute

hunting whistle or flute
view: front

This anthropomorphic shaped whistle or flute is made from a single shaft with two thin handles on either side. From the base of the handles to the top the whistle is entwined in leather. There is a pierced hole at the base, probably for suspension.


Ogboni society staff

Ogboni society staff
view: front

This bronze staff is surmounted by the image of a head, on top of which is a loop, possibly for suspension. The facial features show cowrie-shaped eyes, a long nose with flared nostrils and full mouth. The patterning to the head probably indicates some form of hat.


Dan mask

Dan mask
view: front

This triangular shaped mask is rounded off at the top where incised grooved indicate the hairline. Facial features show two round protruding eyes, a triangular shaped nose and a horizontal mouth with thick, protruding lips.


Fang mask

fang mask
view: front

This large broad, concave mask displays a long sagittate nose, and small eyes with well-arched decorated eyebrows. The small mouth is barely visible and sits above the squared jawline. The mask shows eroded patina, with possible traces of kaolin.


Bird form dance mask

bird form dance mask
view: front

This mask represents a bird, probably a hornbill. Its protruding beak is ridged underneath and the holes on the base of the beak indicate it was once edged with monkey fur. Holes around the rim of the mask indicate the attachment of a costume of headdress.


Pendant mask

pendant mask
view: front

This mask displays prominent facial features and a protruding forehead. The suspension loop on the top of the head indicates it was hung during rituals.


Wooden standing figure

wooden standing figure
view: front

This cylindrical standing figure is unsophisticated in form and displays a protruding navel. The modest facial features show incised lines to indicate the hair and two horizontal lines across the forehead.


Ivory standing figure

ivory standing figure
view: front

This figurine in the round is standing on an ivory base and is a yellow-white in colour. The arms have been carved in a flexed manner and afford two loops, possibly for suspension. There is a cavity in the top of the head for the application of medicine to enhance its power.


Whistle in the form of a finger

whistle in the form of a finger
view: front

This long, slender whistle is carved in the shape of a finger and displays a well-marked fingernail with four incised lines beneath, marking the first joint. The base is more bulbous, with a side loop for suspension and would be sounded by blowing across the opening at the end.


Miniature mask

miniature mask
view: front

The facial features on this mask are not pronounced except for two cavities to indicate the nostrils. It is flat on the reverse and has two suspension loops carved into the hairstyle or headdress. This mask is a mid-brown colour and shows vertical cracking down the face.


Horn with mask

horn with mask
view: front

This horn was side blown on the concave curve where the tusk cavity ends. At the tip of the tusk is a carved face with mitre-like headdress. The ivory is quite discoloured and there is some erosion at the base.


Trumpet with a maternity group

trumpet with a maternity group
view: front

Sitting atop this carved ivory trumpet is the figure of a woman offering a suckling baby her right breast. The female figure shows a pointed hat or coiffure and wears armlets and anklets, indicating high rank. There is some damage to the base of the instrument and on the back.


Ancestor figure

ancestor figure
view: front

This standing male figure is an ancestor figure made from wood of a dark patina.


Ritual doll

ritual doll
view: front

This geometric carved ritual doll stands on a circular base. The face is very thin, while the rest of the head and hair protrude back into an oval-shaped disc. The facial features are simple with two cavities indicating the nostrils. Elaborate incised lines indicate the hairstyle.


Seated figure

seated figure
view: front

This figure has a black, shiny surface probably because of a surface treatment. He sits on a stool with six legs. His legs are crossed and his carves bend round each other in an unnatural way. His knees are bulbous and over emphasised.


Janiform amulet

janiform amulet
view: front

This amulet shows a male and female figure back to back. The female clasps her hands over her chest, underneath her breasts and the male figure holds a horn-shaped object to his chest. Although they are the same height, the male figure is slightly bigger in girth than the female.


Pipe bowl

pipe bowl
view: front

This is an unusual rendering of the human body.