Anthropomorphic face mask "mfon ekpo" with horns ·  Nigeria, Ibibio · ID: 3050388

Description

wood, base

The theme of duality, an underlying motif throughout the art of Africa, is demonstrated in many ways in the masking traditions of southeastern Nigeria. Its most obvious manifestation is found in Ibibio “ekpo” society masquerades.

Here, representations of unrestrained and dangerous dark spirits “idiok ekpo” of those who have died socially undesirable deaths are juxtaposed with the serene pale countenances of beneficial and revered spirits “mfon ekpo”.

The object Anthropomorphic face mask “mfon ekpo” with horns with the object ID 3050388 was part of the auction 101st Auction on November 11, 2023, lot number 245 at that time and is currently available for EUR 1,200 in Open sale.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.