Male youths with the mbulu calabash mask performing the isiji dance during initiation rites, Amuro Village, Afikpo Village-Group, Nigeria

Object Details

Local Numbers: 678/1959-1960 EEPA 2000-070870
General: Title source: Dr. Simon Ottenberg, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Topic: Rites and ceremonies -- Africa; Clothing and dress -- Africa; Cultural landscapes; Masquerades; Headdresses -- headgear -- Africa; Masks

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Scope and Contents: This photograph was taken by Dr. Simon Ottenberg while conducting field research at Afikpo village-group, southeastern Nigeria, from September 1959 to December 1960.; Original caption reads, "Isiji initiation, apparently at amuro Village, Afikpo. The initiation into the village men's secret society of a man's eldest son. Other sons do a different initiation form as a rule. At this stage in the initiation the boys have been in the bush behind the tower-like structure for some days. They appear in public for the first time in decorated calabash masks and raffia dress to dance about as well. This indicates that they are alive and well and have survived the rigors of the initiation bush is here, typical of Afikpo, rather than at some distance. The tower-like structure publicly marks the initiation bush. Before entering the bush the boys are led to believe that they will have to climb it, but in fact they enter the bush at its base." [Ottenberg field research notes, September 1959-December 1960, Part II].

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.

Other Archival Materials: Simon Ottenberg Papers are located at the National Anthropological Archives, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.