DepartmentTextiles-Africa

Warrior Queen Amina Mask

NameFacial Covering

Collective/Group The Queen Amina Embroidery Cooperative

Maker Fatima Sani

CultureNigerian

Date2020

Place madeNIGERIA, Africa

MediumCotton, embroidery thread, plastic

DimensionsWith straps, measured flat: 6 5/16 × 1 3/8 × 18 1/2 in. (16 × 3.5 × 47 cm)
Without straps: 10 7/16 in. (26.5 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase, Museum of International Folk Art, A.2022.23.4

Object numberA.2022.23.4

ProvenancePurchased at a Pandemic Relief Auction hosted by the Ibu Foundation

DescriptionCOVID-19 stylized mask that rambles the face covering part of a medieval knight's helmet. Warrior on horseback is depicted in the center on an off-white ground with gold pillars behind figure. From auction description: he ancient warrior, Queen Amina of Zazzau, serves as an inspiration to many in Zaria, Nigeria. She is especially a role model to many young girls, as Queen Amina rose to be the first woman Queen in a male-dominated society. Queen Amina Embroidery proudly shares her name and so decided to depict this strong woman on their mask. For the indomitable!

From #Mask Exhibition: The Warrior Queen Amina Face Mask made by Fatima Sani for Queen Amina Embroidery Cooperative, Mid-sixteenth-century Warrior-Queen Amina of Zazzau (present-day Zaria) is the namesake of the Queen Amina Embroidery Cooperative and is depicted on this mask by Fatima Sani. Queen Amina is a historic and legendary figure who rose to be the first woman to rule in Zazzu’s patriarchal society.
Her legacy continues to serve as an inspiration, especially to young girls,
in Zaria, Nigeria..