Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Images(4)

Water Spirit Mask

Maker Ekpeye Artist

Datec. 1970

PurchasedPort Harcourt, Nigeria

MediumWood, paint, mirror, metal, plastic

Dimensions31 1/2 in. x 27 1/2 in. x 7 ft. 3/4 in. (80 x 69.9 x 215.3 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds provided by the Ruth P. Phillips Acquisition Fund

Object number2014.2

Collections

AFRICAN

DescriptionHeadpiece with carpentered and painted (red, green, blue, black, pink, white) figures atop a plank with projecting stems with affixed round mirrors. Scenes depicted include a palm wine tapper on a tree, two airplanes and a tailor at his machine. The word Opu Arunpu are painted on the side.

Previous Description (when loan): Platform with numerous freestanding figures attached, depicts various scenes: man with sewing machine, palm wine tapper, 2 airplanes and elements of waterine creatures, crocodile, snake, "mirrors and lightbulbs" projecting from each corner; painted with blue, white, green and red; paddle or leaf-shaped projection on end.