17th Century OPANWA MASQUERADE MASK IGBO IZZI.

20 inches high 

12 inches wide 

Year: 17 th Century 

The Opanwa masquerade (a queen masquerade) is very special Masquerade that goes out with Agboho mmuo masquerade and about seven other masquerades during 'etu utara' festival in Izzi town of Ebonyi State of Nigeria. It existed about 300 years ago . They danced in different styles to different lyrics.

 The people who are in festival mood watch them perform. Many kinds of gifts like chickens, money, yams, etc are being given to them. The Opanwa masquerade is popularly known for her female costumes and exorbitant dancing styles This Opanwa Masquerades mask is highly rare to be found unlike this authentic one.

 It was well preserved by the national Museum This was sold to the licensed collector by the village heads.