The Mama people, also known as the Kantana, live north of the Jos plateau and carve headdresses in the form of highly stylized animal heads. They are worn with a thick fiber costume and symbolize a bush spirit. Worn by energetic dancers, they are thought to bring prosperity to the tribe. There are a number of rare Mama sculptures carved in a rough style with a red weathered patina.

Source:  Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.

Art from this Tribe