The Mask of Discontent
Mask of Discontent
Attribution rests on documented field collection or recorded observation of the object in use. No collection history is established for this object. Nothing here should be read as evidence of lawful acquisition or export.
Reading the Mask of Discontent
This large mask shows a man of wealth and likely royalty. His rounded cap with four rungs speaks of completeness, and a stack of jewellery in three layers speaks of abundance. Yet the jewellery is messy, and his downcast eyes and pouting lips tell you that none of it has made him happy.
Two smaller faces sit on either side of his: wives he has taken in search of fulfilment, both with eyes shut and lips pouting. Above his brow a third face emerges, another woman he turns to for comfort, and she wears the same pout. The cycle of discontent continues.
The lesson of the mask is contentment. Wealth, status and new relationships cannot fix what is missing inside. True happiness comes from within. This is one of the case studies I use in my book to show how to read every part of a mask together.
From my book
I photographed this mask during my field work and it appears in my book Within Carved Lines: The Secret Meanings of African Masks. You can read five chapters of the book free here, or get the full book in paperback or hardcover on Amazon.
Record
| Common name | Mask of Discontent |
|---|---|
| Subject depicted | Ancestor or named individual |
Provenance
| Collection | Field photograph by Michael Ukwuma |
|---|
Source
This record is a catalogue entry, not an appraisal, valuation or legal determination. Nothing here should be read as evidence that an object was lawfully acquired or exported.