Masque "idiok ekpo" · Nigéria, Ibibio · ID: 3043683
Christie’s, Amsterdam, 12 December 2000, lot 171
Joris Visser, Brussels, Belgium
Description
wood, black patina, remains of pigments, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (back), paint rubbed off, base.
The “ekpo” society (Ibibio word for ancestor) 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.
L’objet Masque “idiok ekpo” avec l’ID d’objet 3043683 a fait partie de la dernière vente aux enchères 88e vente aux enchères Tribal Art dans 10 mars 2018 le Zemanek-Münster Hôtel des ventes. L’objet portant le numéro de lot 278 a atteint un prix de vente de 4 500 €.
Vous trouverez d’autres Masques et autres types d’objets populaires sur nos pages thématiques associées. Notre page sur le thème Art africain pourrait également vous intéresser.
Littérature comparée
Wittmer, Marcilene K. & William Arnett, Three Rivers of Nigeria, Atlanta 1978, p. 68, ill. 160
Publications
Gallery J. Visser (ed.), Recent Acquisitions, Brussels 2003, p. 2
AHDRC: 0091942