Deformation mask "idiok" of the "ekpo" society ·  Nigeria, Ibibio · ID: 3047062

Description

wood, pigments, plant fibre, fur, insect caused damage, base

Most known Ibibio masks are dark coloured and were also identified by earlier scholars, as embodying ugly, unsatisfied spirits whose behaviour provided negative examples for the living.

Some were plagued by disease and disfigurement for their transgressions and were destined to wander forever, unhappy and unfulfilled.

Comparing literature

Cole, Herbert M., Invention and Tradition, Munich, London, New York 2012, p. 75 f.