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Nigerian Wood-Carved "Ekpo Secret Society" Mask

About the Item

Acquired from Albert F. Gordon's Tribal Arts Gallery in Manhattan in the early 1970s, this is an Eket-style mask, typical of the Nigerian tribe that resides in the Southeastern region, neighbors of the Ibibio and Ogoni tribes. They live near the sea, west of the Oron people and on the Cameroon border. The Eket are part of the second cultural area of eastern Nigeria, which is centered around the Cross River. During harvest festivals, members of the "Ekpo Secret Society" would don these round painted wood masks to give thanks for the crops and express gratitude to their ancestors and "Mother Earth", as well as commemorate important warriors. This mask is a typical example of the Eket style - circular, carved from wood, with chiseled triangles, and painted in vibrant shades of blue, red, yellow, and white. It measures approximately 12" W x 10.75" H x 2" D.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa. 1900 - 1935
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. The front of the mask is intact and in overall presentable condition. The rear of the mask has a cracked portion (see photos), not visible when hung or displayed. It can easily be suspended and displayed on a wall.
  • Seller Location:
    Miami, FL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: MF-017-NGRN-MASK1stDibs: LU6763239610542

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