Igala Helmet Mask, Nigeria

The Igala Helmet Mask is a traditional ceremonial object originating from the Igala people of Kogi State in central Nigeria. These masks, known locally as 'Egwu,' are used in masquerade performances connected to ancestor veneration, royal rituals, and community celebrations. Crafted from wood and sometimes adorned with pigment, fiber, and mixed media, they represent a sophisticated tradition of sculptural artistry passed down through generations of skilled craftsmen.