Ibibio MASSIVE Triple-Faced Mask,Skull, Idiok Ekpo Start Price USD 3,000.00 Current Price USD 3,000.00 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 MASSIVE Triple-Faced Mask,Skull, Idiok Ekpo' Description Title: Ibibio MASSIVE Triple-Faced Mask,Skull, Idiok EkpoType of Object: MaskEthnic Group: IbibioCountry of Origin: NigeriaMaterials: wood, raffia,pigmentApproximate Age: second half 20th centuryDimensions: Height is 27 inches. Width is 27 inches. Depth is 8.5 inches not including raffia.Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: General wear Additional Information: This is an extraordinary piece.....three masks attached to a "backboard" with top shelf, on which are perched two heads and a skull. I have seen one other piece of faintly similar design, but have not found any in books. There is a hidden away place on the border of Cameroon and Nigeria which produces art which doesn't resemble anything on earth.The skull on the top of each face helps ientify this mask with the Ibibio people.This fantastic mask belongs to the category of Idio Ekpo mask very common among the Ibibio Anang group. 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. The skull on each face symbolically expresses the powerful forces and subtle principles found among the Ibibio. The mask could be a representation of an evil spirit or because of its grotesque aspect it was made to portray or caricature undefined being and to frighten the audience. This is a particularly interesting  Ekpo Society mask, and would be an impressive addition to a collection. Recommended Reading: For fine examples of IIdiok Ekpo masks and other Cross River art, see Blier's AFRICA'S CROSS RIVER".; Marcilene K. Wittmer and William Arnett, THREE RIVERS OF NIGERIA I have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **W2893** 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!