Accession Number1985/1.148
TitleMask
Artist(s)IbibioArtist NationalityIbibioObject Creation Datecirca 1940Medium & Supportwood, egg, and shellDimensions 14 11/16 in x 8 1/4 in x 6 11/16 in (37.31 cm x 20.96 cm x 16.99 cm)
Credit LineGift of Lydia Johnstone
Subject matterEkpo, the Ibibio word for 'ancestor', was also the name of the most important men's society, called
Ekpo Nyoho. Usually shortened to just
Ekpo, the society had governmental, judicial, and economic functions. Masks used for festivals and masquerades for
Ekpo were either dark colored masks called
idiok, or light colored masks called
mfon. Such masks were thought to evoke both benign and malevolent ancestors, which were responsible for protecting their descendants.
References Cited:
Cole, Herbert M. 2012.
Invention and Tradition: The Art of Southeastern Nigeria. Munich: Prestel.
Physical DescriptionLarge, ovoid mask with a dark patina. The forehead of the face is raised, sloping down to a short, broad nose. The eyes are formed by two cresent shapes separated by a rectangle. On each cheek are three raised marks in a vertical line. The mouth is closed and may be moveable.
Primary Object Classification Sculpture Primary Object TypemaskCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
ancestors
masquerades
social institutions
societies