Masque à déformation "idiok ekpo"

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Description

wood, pigments, encrusted patina, collection number “81122” (Max Willborg)

During mask performances of the “ekpo” society, reincarnated ancestors who were immoral, agitated and wayward are represented in masks called “idiok ekpo”, whose moral ugliness is indicated through the dark surfaces and disfigurations from diseases like “gangosa”, facial paralysis or leprosy.

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Publications

Särnstedt, Bo et. al., Före / Before Picasso, Afrikansk konst i svensk ägo / African Art in Swedish Collections, Stockholm 1988, Cat. No.268

AHDRC: 0139065

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Exposition

Stockholm, Sweden, Liljevalchs Konsthall: "Före / Before Picasso, Afrikansk konst i svensk ägo / African Art in Swedish Collections", 2 December 1988 - 15 January 1989; Humlebaek, Denmark, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: "Före / Before Picasso, Afrikansk konst i svensk ägo / African Art in Swedish Collections", Winter 1989

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