Big face mask "idiok ekpo" ·  Nigeria, Ibibio · ID: 3032401

Description

wood, black encrusted patina, red paint, expressive forms: large eyes widely projecting to the front, a big square mouth opening, tubular warts on cheeks and head, dam., round openings in place of the ears, traces of weathering, cracks, paint rubbed off;
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”.

Comparing literature

Wittmer, Marcilene K., Arnett, William, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 64 f.