Ibibio, Nigeria

Face mask.  The 1 million Ibibio people live in an area between the Delta and the Cross River. Their main resource is farming, mostly maize and the palm tree, the oil of which is extracted and sold to external markets. Their secret societies rule over daily life and ancestor worship is universally practiced. They live in villages led by a chief elected from the most honorable heads of the important families. The present unusual mask came from the area inhabited by the Ibibio presents a spirit. The masks of this type were apparently used in  impressive masked dance spectacles staged for entertainment and for the elaborate funerals of its prosperous members. The fully costumed masquerader was considered a spirit. Specific function of the mask is not known.

Material:  wood, raffia

Size: 12”x9½”x3½”

Price:   $225+$22 (S&H)                                           [#I6I9M550]