Mask
Sha
Late 19th century
Medium
Wood and rubber
Dimensions
H.: 64.8 cm (25 1/2 in.)
Classification
masks
Department
Arts of Africa
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
155960
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This strikingly abstract mask was once covered with potent red abrus seeds that were held in place by a resin paste. It would have been used in initiation rituals for one of six age-grade associations. Among the Sha people, a mask like this one represents a male spirit called Akirang who had a female counterpart named Aja. The Kulere equivalent of Akirang was Asho, a spirit associated with human and agricultural fertility.