Ijaw Kalabari Mask, Nigeria

The Ijaw Kalabari people of the Niger Delta region in southern Nigeria have a rich tradition of mask-making deeply rooted in ancestral veneration and water spirit ceremonies known as Owu. These masks, typically carved from wood and adorned with textile, raffia, and pigment, serve vital roles in masquerades that honor the Ekine masquerade society and the spirits of deceased community members. Kalabari masks are among the most distinctive and historically significant examples of West African ritual art, frequently appearing in major auction houses and museum collections worldwide.