Ibibio Idiong Society Crocodile Mask. Skull, Man, Woman Start Price USD 1,500.00 Current Price USD 1,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, September 21, 2008 End Time Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Ibibio Idiong Society Crocodile Mask. Skull, Man, Woman' Description Title: Ibibio Idiong Society Crocodile MaskType of Object: MaskEthnic Group: IbibioCountry of Origin: NigeriaMaterials: Wood, pigmentApproximate Age: Mid 20th centuryDimensions: Length is 33 inchesOverall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: Chip in left ear with piece missing,spares, stains Additional Information: This is an extraordinary mask. Skull, Man, Woman, Crococodile.The wood is fairly lightweight. Patina shows black, white, and possibly red pigments were used at different times. At the top of the mask is a skull, with lizards on either side. The "main face" has beetling brows, and is biting down on what appears to be a two-headed snake. His beard is a gentler face, perhaps female. Piercings on the perimeter show wear. This interesting mask comes from the Ibibio people of southern coastal Nigeria. Between the Niger Delta River and Cross River regions of Nigeria a number of groups including the Igbo, Ibibio, Anang, Ijo and Ogoni live often times intermixing and exchanging artistic traditions, secret society masquerades and cultural patterns.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. This mask was danced by the exclusively male Ekpo Society especially by the members of the Idiong society (a diviner's society). The skull on this mask represent the dead, who are seen as wandering spirits that are potentially evil and have dark powers. The ugly side on such  masks reflects the idea of an anti-aesthetic as they depict physical deformities or the effects of disease characterizing evil or malevolent spirits. Such masks were worn for social control and to punish troublemakers and everyone who transgress social rules and traditions. Recommended ReadingBlier's AFRICA'S CROSS RIVER."; Fagg, W. Nigerian Images. 1963.I have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **W2343** 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!