Ibibo Idiok Ekpo Mask, with Wicker Cap, Africa Start Price USD 390.00 Current Price USD 390.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 16, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Ibibo Idiok Ekpo Mask, with Wicker Cap, Africa' Description Ibibo Idiok Ekpo Mask Type of Object: Mask Ethnic Group: Ibibio Country of Origin: Nigeria Materials: Wood, pigment, paint Approximate Age: Mid 20th century Dimensions: 11 inches Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: None Provenance: Unknown Additional Information: This is an unusual mask combining a human face with a pig snout. The mask has its original woven basket (wicker) cap. This expressive mask is tentatively identified to the Ibibio people who live in the area between the Niger Delta and the Cross River. In this region a number of culturally and linguistically related peoples share mask styles often drawing upon one another for imagery and perhaps even carvers who have some degree of mobility. The Ibibio live in a largely dense tropical forested area in small village groupings where they exercise social control through the activities of male secret society known as Ekpo. This secret society in based upon a cult of ancestors who advise, direct, and guide the Ibibio in all facets of their lives. Unfortunately, precise information on the meanings of this the combination of human and pig features in our mask is lacking. In many societies the pig is known as a dirty, ugly, impure animal. Was this mask perfomed a character that depicted a human with pig behavior' This mask danced by the exclusively male Ekpo Society is known as Idiok, an ugly mask representing the dead, who are seen as wandering spirits that are potentially evil and have dark powers. Masks with deformed features often play upon the idea of an anti-aesthetic as they depict physical deformities or the effects of disease characterizing evil or malevolent spirits. It is a demanding exercise to identify all Ibibio masks as to their forms and functions for they are often subject to many sculptural influences and a number of their cult, ritual activities and masks are drawn from their larger neighbors the Igbo or the smaller groups including the Anang and the Oron Ibibio.This mask is unique and will be a good addition to any collection of African Mask.**030042** 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!