Sarah's+African+Exhibit



Helmet Mask- late 19th century to early 20th century  http://africa.si.edu/collections/view/objects/asitem/3122/36/title-asc?t:state:flow=10a57793-1778-4f84-a95f-265dfc7ca4af  Its a wood helmet mask and crest covered with antelope skin and its unique to the Cross River region of Nigeria and Cameroon. The performer looked through the eye holes of the larger male face. The smaller faces of the mask are female and have filed front teeth and raised facial designs that indicate beauty and status. Members of a warriors' association once used this helmet mask. Perforations at the top once held porcupine quills, symbols of male valor. Society The West african kingdoms were wealthy and their trade was based on salt and gold. ﻿Current Events The very structure of the West African Economies based on exploitation of natural resources like mining and agriculture. Coupled with a patrimonial conception of the state, contribute too in creating an enabling environment. All such factors attract unscrupulous economic operators, facilitate the establishing and development of local and transitional criminal networks and promote the rooting of a cultural model under which money can buy everything. ﻿ news: http://redalyc.uaemex.mx/pdf/767/76701612.pdf