Bini oru (water spirit) crest

Late 19th–early 20th century

Not on view

Shape-shifting bini orumo (plural) are the focus of appeals for protection and succor from Ijo fishermen and traders. Credited with the invention of masquerade, these spirits have been represented by artists through a rich array of forms carved from the wood of the mangrove trees that grow abundantly at the water’s edge. Worn horizontally atop the head, the mask’s elongated crescent shape acts as a canoe, the lifeblood of the Ijo’s marine economy, which sails above the assembled crowd during the masquerade. The engaged eyes suggest a figure immersed under the water’s surface.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Bini oru (water spirit) crest
Artist: Ijo artist
Date: Late 19th–early 20th century
Geography: Nigeria, Niger Delta Region
Culture: Ijo peoples
Medium: Mangrove wood (emo), ferrous nails, paint
Dimensions: H. 15 1/2 × W. 3 3/4 × D. 3 3/4 in. (39.4 × 9.5 × 9.5 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Carol B. Kenney, in memory of Jerome P. Kenney, 2025
Object Number: 2025.807.12
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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Iphri shrine, Ijo artist, Wood, pigment, Ijo peoples — Iphri shrine
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Bini oru (water spirit) crest, Eastern or Kalabari Ijo artist, Wood, cartridge shells, rattan, iron, paint, Ijo peoples — Bini oru (water spirit) crest
Eastern or Kalabari Ijo artist
19th century

Bini oru (water spirit) crest, Ijo artist, Mangrove wood, paint, Ijo peoples — Bini oru (water spirit) crest
Ijo artist
19th–mid-20th century

Iphri shrine, Urhobo artist, Wood, iron nails, pigment, Urhobo peoples — Iphri shrine
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Kagle face mask, Dan artist, Wood, brass tacks, nails, dried mud, animal teeth, hair, and paint, Dan peoples — Kagle face mask
Dan artist
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