The Iyoba Pendant Mask
The pendant mask (Iyoba Pendant Mask, Edo people, Nigeria, Metropolitan Museum of Art) This was a very important mask to the Edo peoples, it was created in the early 16th century; where an Oba named Esigie, made it to honor his mother Idia. This mask was used in many ways; sometimes it was worn to battle, other times to bring prosperity, as well as choose the next king, and the mighty mother, who would raise him. In which she is called the Queen of Mothers , also known as Iyoba, the woman who would raise Oba's first son to become the future king. A tradition that continues today, although, for the purpose of annual ceremonies of spiritual renewal and purification (smarthistory.org). The materials used were just as important as what the mask represents, what was used for this mask was: ivory and iron inlays. Whereas the white ivory of the mask symbolizes ritual purity, which is associated with the god of the sea Olokun (smarthistory.org). The iron inlays are used to reinforce, the