WORLD CULTURES : AFRICA

Object Name: Mask : Ekpo
Date Made: 20th century (early)
20th century (early)
Description: The mask has been skilfully carved from a single piece of wood and has a woven fibre portion to fit over the back of the head to keep it in position. Powdered pigments made from natural materials in lilac, orange, and white form a striking decoration for the face. The mask has horns, a head ring and a twisted asymmetric nose and mouth, this may represent a demon which believed to causes facial paralysis. It is called ‘idiok’ which means “of dark form” and would have been used to perform a dance. It is likely that music was also part of this performance.
Materials: wood : coconut fibre
Place Collected
Catalogue Number: BELUM.C1.1980
Copyright: National Museums NI

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