Ibibio Cross River Mask Niger River Delta RARE African Start Price USD 276.00 Current Price USD 276.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 17, 2008 End Time Thursday, July 24, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Ibibio Cross River Mask Niger River Delta RARE African' Description Ibibio Cross River mask, RARE, African Artifact Type of Object: Mask Ethnic Group: Ibibio Country of Origin: Southeastern Nigeria Materials: Wood and pigments. Approximate Age: 20th centuryDimensions: Height is 20 inches. Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: Old age craks on lower front of face, old chips Additional Information: A fascinating mask, 20 inches tall. Two holes in top of head, two faces on sides. This large with two faces, one with the exaggerated  nose and mouth, was found among the Ibibio of Nigeria. The Ibibio are a culturally and linguistically related people, with a men's society known as Ekpe that has the responsibility of ensuring the ongoing welfare of the people. Among the Ibibio, face masks called "Mfon," representing beautiful maidens, dance to portray positive ethical concepts. Masks also serve to represent age grades as men advance through the various levels of the Ekpe secret society.This Idiok mask reflects the mixed traditions that exist along the Lower Niger, Cross River, and the great Niger River delta as it flows into the Atlantic. A number of groups in this region share mask styles, often drawing upon one another for imagery and perhaps even carvers, who have some degree of mobility. The admixture of styles in the area must also include influences from the neighboring Igbo. This is an  interesting Ekpo Society mask, and would be an impressive addition to a collection. Recommended Reading: For fine examples of Cross River art, see Blier's AFRICA'S CROSS RIVER"Niangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **W1476** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!