Wood, fur applications
Estuary of the Cross River, Southern Nigeria, 1st half 20th century
Ibibio people
Old polychrome paint
Length: 40 cm
Good condition
Object is regular taxed. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

On the oval face mask with narrow standing slits is crowned by a protruding, anthropomorphic head. Mask and head show black dyed hair and fur applications. Concise here is the orange color on the left side of the face mask. These masks are danced by members of the ‘ekpo’-association and should exert social control. In the presentation of the ‘ekpo’ society there is a number of very different masks, which can be divided into two groups: the ‘idiok’, the ‘ugly ghost’ masks - they represent wandering spirits - and the ‘mfon’ masks. They symbolize those spirits who reached paradise. The ‘mfon ekpo’ mask is mostly used by boys.



The mask is in good condition with minimal signs of age and wear; the hair is missing sproradically on the two heads. There is an old polychrome paint visible. The length is 40 cm. (asi)



Literature:

L. Segy, Masks of Black Africa, fig. 135.

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