Description
The Izzi Igbo of Nigeria make use of a crest mask, or headdress, called ogbodo enyi, to cleanse each community of evil spirits and distructive elements, and are also used as agents for social control. Enyi meaning either 'elephant' or 'friend', and ogbodo meaning 'spirit', these masks are said to be reinterpretations of the elephant form juxtaposed with human elements. These headdresses, once described as harsh, violent and threathening spirits, are now danced by boys and men (and more recently, women) of various age-groups, during processions through the village, where older maskers are given gifts and in return, the dancers complete projects that benefit the community.
NOTE: "Dozens of masks left lgboland to enter European or American collections during or after the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-70." 2
Distinguishing Features