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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Ibibio : Ibibio Wooden Polychrome Mask
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Ibibio Wooden Polychrome Mask - PF.4836
Origin: Southeastern Nigeria
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
20.75" (52.7cm) high
x 9.5" (24.1cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Ibibio
Medium: Wood and Paint
$3,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The distance between the real and supernatural
worlds is often quite narrow, and masks are used
as a physical medium to bridge this gap. For
Ibibio societies such as the ekpo, masks are a
sort of receptacle for spirits, good and bad, to
dwell within while on earth. A mask such as this
unique example, may not have been worn, but
rather displayed as a symbol of certain bush
spirits. The definite animal element is seen in the
tusks, with the addition of a third tusk which
adds a surreal quality. The shape of the face is
much like a hippopotamus, yet the eyes appear
as expressly human. They seem to look in
different directions at once, surveying the
territory as if for the first time; inquisitive and
intrigued. The Eket, a subgroup of the Ibibio, are
famous for their large polychrome masquerade
masks, and this mask may have been part of an
elaborate ceremony.
- (PF.4836)
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