Mask "idiok ekpo" with hinged jaw ·  Nigeria, Ibibio · ID: 3033519

Description

wood, blackish patina, encrusted in some areas, anthropo-zoomorphic face (human/ape), raised band tattoos on the temples, hinged jaw fixed by plant fibre, slightly dam., paint rubbed off, minor missing parts backside at the rim, on 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”.

Comparing literature

Wittmer, Marcilene K., Arnett, William, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 72

Publications