Otoghe-Toghe Masquerade, Aromgba Village, Nigeria

Animal effigies such as this fierce bull-like mask represent powerful spirits that need to be appeased. Carved wooden masks, except for those made for the tourist trade, are not as prevalent in today's masquerades as they once were. The lack of wooden mask carving can be attributed to the variety of materials available today. Wooden masks, such as the one here, are often handed down and refurbished for other masquerades.