Mask "idiok" of the "ekpo" society ·  Nigeria, Ibibio · ID: 3040111

Description

wood, black patina, white and red paint, pireced areas to both sides of the nose, slightly dam., minor missing parts, abrasion of paint, crack, metal base;
the “ekpo” (Ibibio word for ancestor) society represents the most important Ibibio society. “Ekpo” members danced light coloured “mfon” and black or dark colored “idiok” masks that evoke benign and more numerous malevolent ancestors, respectively. Most Ibibio masks are dark coloured, as embodying ugly, unsatisfied spirits whose behavior 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. In contrast, the fewer light colored, attractive masks and tableaux embody benign ancestors who led good, productive, and moral lives. They are positive examples of good behaviour.

The object Mask “idiok” of the “ekpo” society with the object ID 3040111 was last part of the auction 82nd Tribal Art Auction at February 27, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 379 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,000.

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.

Comparing literature

Cole, Herbert M., Invention and Tradition, Munich, London, New York 2012, ill. 89

Publications

Visser, Joris (ed.), Cubism, Picasso's contemporaries in African Art, Brussels 2007; Gallery Flak (ed.), Face à Face", Paris 2007, p. 38 & 97

AHDRC: 0098924

Exhibition

Galerie Flak (ed.), Face à face. Masques secrets, visages révélés, Gallery Flak, Paris, 12 September - 3 November 2007