The Portrait Mask of Moya Yanso is utilized by a masker in a costume that conceals his face with a small wooden mask and dances for an audience accompanied by other dancers, drummers, singers, and orators in a series of skits. The portrait mask serves many functions which have shifted over time and within different contexts and tribes. This type of entertainment is a type of masquerade which is a form of entertainment that is actually outdated in Kami since the 1980s, which was replaced by newer masks and performance styles. A carving of a figure in the mask can be utilized by practitioners to communicate with ancestors and spirits. The physical presence of a mask can allow the invisible spirit world to interact with and influence the visible world of humans. The characteristics of a portrait mask is that they usually have an oval face with an elongated nose, small, open mouth, downcast slit eyes with extending pieces beyond the crest to suggest animal horns. The patterns on these masks serve somewhat of a religious or spiritual significance. Most have scarification patterns at the temple and a high gloss patina. These motifs can serve as a visual vocabulary that suggests what it means to be a good, honorable, respected, and beautiful person in Baule society. The half slit eyes and high forehead suggest modesty and wisdom respectively.
The word Ikenga is Igbo for "place of strength” and is a horned deity found among the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the most powerful symbols of the Igbo people, and the most common cultural artifact. Ikenga is mostly kept or owned by men and occasionally by women of high reputation and integrity in the society. It comprises someone's personal god and ancestors. The Igbo believe that the right hand is the hand of power as well as spiritual activation through prayer and sacrifice. Ikenga, like the Portrait Mask of Moya Yanso, is a religious and spiritual piece that is a large part of African culture and relationship with ancestors. Ikenga is a personal god of human endeavor, achievement, success, and victory. It also governs over industry, farming, and blacksmithing, and is celebrated every year with an annual Ikenga festival. It is believed by its owners to bring wealth and fortune as well as protection. It is compared by many to a trophy or medal because it is given to those who have made some sort of accomplishment.
The differences between these two pieces are that Ikenga is not something that one wears but instead carries in their right hand. The portrait mask is mainly used for entertainment while Ikenga is more of an honorable piece awarded to those who have done something of merit. Despite their differences, both pieces resemble animals and have animal like characteristics which is a common characteristic seen in African sculptures.
The word Ikenga is Igbo for "place of strength” and is a horned deity found among the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the most powerful symbols of the Igbo people, and the most common cultural artifact. Ikenga is mostly kept or owned by men and occasionally by women of high reputation and integrity in the society. It comprises someone's personal god and ancestors. The Igbo believe that the right hand is the hand of power as well as spiritual activation through prayer and sacrifice. Ikenga, like the Portrait Mask of Moya Yanso, is a religious and spiritual piece that is a large part of African culture and relationship with ancestors. Ikenga is a personal god of human endeavor, achievement, success, and victory. It also governs over industry, farming, and blacksmithing, and is celebrated every year with an annual Ikenga festival. It is believed by its owners to bring wealth and fortune as well as protection. It is compared by many to a trophy or medal because it is given to those who have made some sort of accomplishment.
The differences between these two pieces are that Ikenga is not something that one wears but instead carries in their right hand. The portrait mask is mainly used for entertainment while Ikenga is more of an honorable piece awarded to those who have done something of merit. Despite their differences, both pieces resemble animals and have animal like characteristics which is a common characteristic seen in African sculptures.