This photograph was taken by Dr. Simon Ottenberg while conducting field research at Afikpo village-group, southeastern Nigeria, from September 1959 to December 1960.
Original caption reads, "Otero masqueraders in Ezi Nwachi compound, Ndibe Village. Dried banana leaves, net fiber face mask, ikpo metal bell, akpoto rope tied around waist, ashes or charcoal rubbed on their bodies, a stick, which use in chasing girls and women. Not part of Njenje masked parade but appearing about the same time." [Ottenberg field research notes, September 1959-December 1960, Part I].
Publication caption reads, "Otero of the secret society moving through a compound."
"There are two classes of masquerades in which direct physical action plays an important role. One of these includes masks and costumes used for social control. The other is a sport contest. Otero, the second form of the masked costumes, is seen during the dry season on nonfarming days, aho and eke, and on feast days, such as Mbe and during the Njenji parade." [ Ottenberg, 1975: Masked rituals of Afikpo, the context of an African art; Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1975].
Local Numbers:
200/1959-1960
EEPA 2000-070421
General:
Title source: Dr. Simon Ottenberg, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Other Archival Materials:
Simon Ottenberg Papers are located at the National Anthropological Archives, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
