This is the rating and price for Early 20Th C. African Ibibio Wooden Idiok Ekpo Mask

Description : **First Time At Auction** Western Africa, Nigeria, Ibibio peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A wonderful, hand-carved wooden mask with a wide mouth, tubular eyes, a bulbous nose, and an enormous forehead, all painted in black and dark-brown pigments. The carved portion between the lips as well as around the eyes are colored with a white kaolin pigment. Several perforations line the periphery in order to attach a large textile costume. The Ibibio live in southeastern Nigeria on the Niger River Delta. Wealth in this society came largely from the sale of palm oil and the social dominance of certain individuals was reinforced through ritual dances that incorporated masks like this one. Some of these masks, however, also had spiritual significance. By being painted in a dark color (idiok), masks like this example represented the souls of evil people condemned to suffer as ghosts. Those wearing idiok masks would perform at night to be additionally frightening! Size: 8.25 W x 12.375 H (21 cm x 31.4 cm) Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #130658
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Estimate (low-high) : 500 USD-750 USD It's free to register now to view!

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