Ibibio, Nigeria: A mask with tubular eyes and a hinged jaw, called ‘Idiok Ekpo’.
The Ibibio live in southern Nigeria, west of the Ibo, near the Cross River delta. The ‘Ekpo society’, a male association, has considerable influence on the social and religious life of the Ibibio. The 'Ekpo society' is in charge of organising the initiation rituals of the youth, the cult of ancestors as well as the protection of the community in ceremonies and dances. Performances involves white masks (‘Mfon Ekpo’) as well as black masks (‘Idiok Ekpo’). The present, typical ‘Idiok Ekpo mask’ is carved from brown medium-weight wood and entirely dyed black. With impressive tubular eyes, two horizontal bulges on the forehead, accentuated eyebrows (above which remains of sacrificial offerings are visible) and a short nose curved upwards. The semicircular, jagged ‘flaps’ on both temples display old punched, forged nails. The lower jaw of the large, markedly protruding mouth is attached to the upper jaw by means of twisted leather strings – this mask can ‘speak’!
An old object with partly encrusted black patina and good traces of usage (on the inside!), and with minor age-related damage (a tear to the back and to the upper margin as well as minor pieces broken off).
First third of the 20th century; H: c. 30 cm. (ME)
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
26.05.2015 - 15:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 2,800.- to EUR 3,200.-
Ibibio, Nigeria: A mask with tubular eyes and a hinged jaw, called ‘Idiok Ekpo’.
The Ibibio live in southern Nigeria, west of the Ibo, near the Cross River delta. The ‘Ekpo society’, a male association, has considerable influence on the social and religious life of the Ibibio. The 'Ekpo society' is in charge of organising the initiation rituals of the youth, the cult of ancestors as well as the protection of the community in ceremonies and dances. Performances involves white masks (‘Mfon Ekpo’) as well as black masks (‘Idiok Ekpo’). The present, typical ‘Idiok Ekpo mask’ is carved from brown medium-weight wood and entirely dyed black. With impressive tubular eyes, two horizontal bulges on the forehead, accentuated eyebrows (above which remains of sacrificial offerings are visible) and a short nose curved upwards. The semicircular, jagged ‘flaps’ on both temples display old punched, forged nails. The lower jaw of the large, markedly protruding mouth is attached to the upper jaw by means of twisted leather strings – this mask can ‘speak’!
An old object with partly encrusted black patina and good traces of usage (on the inside!), and with minor age-related damage (a tear to the back and to the upper margin as well as minor pieces broken off).
First third of the 20th century; H: c. 30 cm. (ME)
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 26.05.2015 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 20.05. - 26.05.2015 |