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< African Collections in Kansas

Kenneth Palmer Collection 1982

West African art:
Doors|Gelede masks|Yoruba helmet masks|Bini Oba effigy figure|Bini percussion gong replica|Igbo masks|Ibo maiden spirit masks|Yoruba Epa helmet masks|Yoruba edan figures|Yoruba drum, horse, and stool

Doors from Ivory Coast

E-76.6.77
single panel

E-76.6.77
1-2 panels

E-76.6.77
3-4 panels

E-76.6.77
5-6 panels
E-76.6.77


Gelede masks
The twisted features of this performance
mask may portray the anti-social personality
or negative behaviors of an individual. The grotesque
mask with its crooked open mouth, oversized teeth
and up-turned nose is carved out of wood that has
been stained a dark brown.
76.66.117,116 121& 4115 Gelede Masks: Nigeria (Yoruba).
"The Gelede festival pays tribute to female mystical power of ancestors, elders, and deities. These women are known as "our mothers." The power of "our mothers" is at once constructive, relating to fertility, knowledge of the secret of life, and also destructive, a surreptitious power, aje, which is more like witchcraft (Drewal, H. and Drewal M.T. 1983. Gelede. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. p. 8)."


Yoruba helmet masks

E-3976

E-3976

E-3976


Bini oba effigy figure: Nigeria

This is a standing figure of an oba (king) in full royal regalia. Made from brass and cast in wax, this oba holds a ceremonial sword in his right hand.

76.6.43(reverse)


Bini percussion gong replica: Nigeria
This percussion gong replica is made from brass cast in wax. It has a complex figuration in hierarchical-emblematic arrangement. It is used for ceremonial purposes.


Igbo masks

 


77.6.97 cats


Ibo Maiden spirit mask: Nigeria
The Mmwo Society maiden spirit mask is a large ancestral spirit mask made by the Ibo from Nigeria. The mask is worn at the end of the dry season and at funerals. The beauty of the mask is meant to enchant the people and is also used to exemplify Ibo ideals pertaining to female beauty and mortality.
 

Yoruba Epa helmet masks: Nigeria
An Epa cult mask is used during a religious dance by a man and is used for commemorating the ancestors and agriculture.

E-2979
The top of mask depicts a royal equestrian figure and a circle of carved musicians and attendants accompany the figure at the bottom of the mask.
Photos: Michelle Edwards

Yoruba edan figures, Ogboni society: Nigeria
Edan figures are considered to be a scared emblem of society that represents the initiates and their vow of secrecy. This emblem empowers the initiates in regards to their judgement of political and societal matters. The chain linking the male and female figures suggests unity and
equality among both sexes.

Yoruba-drum
Brass and horse-rider
Yoruba-stool