A VERY RARE IBIBIO MASK

Provenance: Edgar Beer, Brussels
1960: Ex collection Loed van Bussel
1962: Ex collection Philip and Rosalind Goldman, London

A rare black mask of the Ibibio, from South east Nigeria. These masks represents spirits and belong to dances of the Ekpo Community of the Ibibio who live east of the Niger Delta in South East Nigeria. Its curved horns and protruding mouth give it a powerful profile. The interior shows excellent traces of use.

Ibibio, Nigeria, Africa
Wood, beginning of 20th century, 30 x 29 cm. Nice old patina of use.