Mask

Item number 2704/1 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Mami Wata mask. Oval pink face mask (part a). On top of the mask sits a yellow figure with movable arms, wearing a black hat and green dress. Also on top are two black circles with mirrors on movable posts and a yellow curved piece with two mirrors. The mask itself has painted black hair, various designs and red lips with white teeth. There are oval openings for the wearer's eyes. A second yellow curved piece with two mirrors is loose (part b). A carved wooden umbrella painted dark brown is part c. The back is unpainted.

Iconographic Meaning

Mami Wata is a water spirit associated with wealth, education, success, and beauty. Her cult began in the Caribbean in the 20th century before travelling to Africa, first appearing the Niger Delta and Liberia. Now they are venerated in West, Central, and Southern Africa, as well as the African diaspora in the Americas. Mami Wata is often depicted as a voluptuous young woman with pale skin, long black hair, and snakes curled around her.