MAMBILLA ZOOMORPHIC MASK

Mambilla Zoomorphic helmet mask with gaping, toothed mouth, horns and pierced holes around the rim

 The Mambilla people live between the borders of Nigeria and Cameroon. This mask was collected in the Taraba region, Nigeria. 

The Mambilla people have traditionally practiced indigenous African religions that involve the worship of ancestral spirits and nature deities. However, like many African societies, there has been an influence of Christianity and Islam in recent years.

Mambilla artisans are known for their craftsmanship. They create various forms of art, including intricate wooden carvings, masks, and pottery. These artworks often have both aesthetic and spiritual significance.